City Driving Tips

Before you head out to drive in the city, you need to be aware of your surroundings and know what to expect. The city is filled with other drivers and pedestrians of all kinds, and knowing what to expect can help you out in so many different ways. If you're unfamiliar with a city, you can be sure that there are many different drivers on the roadways and pedestrians walking around the streets and sidewalks. If for some reason, you assume that you will not encounter other drivers and pedestrians in the city, you are more likely to experience road rage or start driving more aggressively. 

We all know that driving in city traffic is bad enough on any given day, but things will only worsen when you factor rush hour traffic into it. If at all possible, you should try to avoid rush hour traffic. Rush hour will vary depending on where you are, but most consider rush hour to be between 7 am, and 9 am in the morning and again between 4 pm and 6 pm at night. If you're driving in the city for a simple visit, avoid these hours during the weekdays. Another reason to avoid rush hour is it will take you a while to get anywhere as you'll be stuck in traffic, and there will be a higher risk of an accident with so many drivers out on the roads. 

There are pedestrians located all over city streets no matter where you are, and that means there will be many opportunities to get into an accident. Always make sure that you're paying attention to pedestrians as much as you pay attention to the other drivers on the road. When you are approaching a crosswalk, make sure you always give people enough space to walk and be cautious of both ends of the crosswalk. If you notice that someone is standing on either end of the crosswalk, be sure that you're giving yourself a minute to make sure a pedestrian isn't crossing the street. Keep in mind that pedestrians always have the right of way in all circumstances. Make sure that you keep your head on a swivel for all types of pedestrians. 

Today's world is designed for ride-sharing, and that is specifically true in the city. You may ask yourself what that has to do with you. These are all vehicles that you need to approach with caution. Cabs have always been the bane of city dweller's existence, and the goal of rideshare drivers is to pick up citizens, which can sometimes occur on busy city streets. These drivers might swerve, stop, drive faster, drive slower, and sometimes in a reckless manner to pick these people up. It's up to you to be prepared for these sudden movements. If you find yourself swerving around a rideshare vehicle, do so with an abundance of caution and give more space between you and them and be prepared to stop. 

The most dangerous thing you have to deal with while driving in the city is yourself. Don't let other pedestrians, drivers, cyclists, or anyone get under your skin in a way that prevents you from driving safely. Remember that road rage is very dangerous and can make you act out of character if you let it. Know where you are, be aware of what to expect, and let yourself enjoy the city even if it's not something you enjoy. 

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