In reality when we move outside our comfort zones and take a diffeent route or go somewhere where we do not usually go; there are visceral reactions to the new environment which in fact change how we interact with the environment around us. If we were to continue to drive on the the road around the casino for most of our lives then most of us would be familiar with our surroundings and be more relaxed and knowledgeable of where and how we are going. However, I imagine if you were to leave your comfort zone you too would exhibit similar characteristics in all aspects of your life.
In my experience of living in the lower mainland some of the drivers from Wa state exhibit exactly what you are describing. I chose to use the word some instead of you people, which is a blanket statement, because by using blanket statements ones ignorance and limited life prespective can show itself. The other piece of advice I could offer would be drive more defensivley if you are having near misses everyday. As the people you are having near misses with are not all the same person.
Would it help if I placed an emoticon here?
Here is a photo of the inlaws driveway on X-mas day to keep with the the intentions of the thread