as a brit I've driven through most of the US states and major cities, and they were generally comparable to what I was used to at home and throughout continental europe

Los Angeles though was something else, giant gouges on 12 lane highways every few feet for miles on end

and on sliproads, sudden surprise vertical walls with right angled bends

was like something out of the third world

> Los Angeles though was something else, giant gouges on 12 lane highways every few feet for miles on end

Probably concrete fastening projects.

> sliproads

on/off ramps for AmE speakers.

As someone who has driven in many different developed countries in the world (and been a passenger in many developing countries), California highways often feel like those in developing countries but it's combined with a much higher travelling speed.

I think the only other country where I regularly got jolted up (nearly hitting my head on the ceiling of the car) was India.

Do you remember which highway you were driving? Interestingly this goes against my experience. I’ve actually remarked to many friends that I enjoy night-time driving in Los Angeles since the highways are well-lit and smooth (and of course, no traffic at night).

Los Angeles is the v0.0.1 of freeways. Lessons were learned.