I've been driving for more than 16 years and there are still areas of New Bedford where I question my ability and knowledge.

Multiple times, I've encountered roadways where the markings on the pavement are mind-boggling. One second, there's a yellow line or a dashed line. Then, it disappears only to reappear 100 feet ahead. Don't get me started on the abrupt merging  that has to take place.

I'm sure there are streets and avenues that I might have missed, but as far as driving goes in the city, here are the top three popular hotspots in New Bedford that can be confusing to the local commuter:

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KEMPTON STREET BY WINGS OVER NEW BEDFORD:

Kempton Street is one of my most-traveled daily spots and I'm honestly shocked I haven't seen a side-by-side collision here. There's a point where there are two lanes that seem to merge into one because the lines are suddenly not visible. Is it one lane? Is it two? I'd like to know. If it's only one, then there should be a "lane-ends-ahead" sign.

Confusing? Absolutely.

I-195 EASTBOUND BY 140 MERGER:

If you're heading eastbound on I-195 in New Bedford heading toward the Cape, you might notice three lanes merge into two shortly before the downtown exits. But if you're merging onto I-195 from the Route 140 off-ramps, and you're new to the area, then it may come as a surprise that the right two lanes become one unexpectedly. I've seen numerous close calls at speeds of 65 mph and up.

Thankfully, I've yet to witness a collision here/

ASHLEY BOULEVARD AND ACUSHNET AVENUE MERGER BY PA RAFFA'S:

Honestly, I don't even know where to begin with this one. The area where Acushnet Avenue and Ashley Boulevard meet, right by Pa Raffa's restaurant, is relatively new. I'd love to meet the person in charge of this intersection design. If you're trying to turn left onto Acushnet Avenue from Ashley Boulevard and vice versa, the lines are beyond confusing -- unnerving potential for accidents.

What are some rough driving spots you encounter out and about in the city?