Whether you are moving to a new city for school or work, it’s probably exciting but also nerve-wracking. Figuring out the nuances and quirks of a big city can take a few years, but eventually, you’ll find your way. In particular, it can be quite overwhelming to drive in a big city when you just have the experience of driving in a sparsely populated small town.
In this post, we’re sharing our best tips for driving in a congested urban area. Take a look.
Choose Your Ride Carefully
Aesthetics should be a secondary concern when you are choosing a ride for the big city. Instead of splurging on a large SUV, you are better off driving something compact. Moreover, gas prices can be astronomical, which can further increase your everyday expenses. You should consider getting an electric vehicle that promises a much lower operational cost than its petrol or diesel counterparts.
Be Prepared To Make Mistakes
Heavy traffic, unfamiliar traffic rules, confusing parking regulations, and aggressive taxi drivers can make driving difficult even for an experienced driver. Let’s be honest, you are bound to make mistakes, especially during your first few months of driving in the city. Instead of dreading a ticket, make sure you are prepared with the WinIt app. This platform allows you to contest unfair parking and traffic tickets.
Avoid Rush Hour Traffic
Rush hour is the worst time to put your driving skills to the test. Your confidence will take a hit if you attempt to navigate dense rush-hour traffic. Instead, stick to driving during off-peak hours to get the feel of the city.
Look at Your Route
The GPS in your car or maps on your phone have certainly made navigation a dream. However, you can ease your nerves by looking at the route before getting in the car. This can help you ensure that you are comfortable with the route and know what to expect.
Minimize Distractions
From loud music to texting, it’s important to minimize distractions no matter where you are driving. We suggest turning off the notifications on your phone or setting it to DND. You can also enable ‘Driving Mode’, which automatically sends a response to every text you receive.
Stay Calm
A careless driver on the road can make you feel annoyed or frustrated. But it’s imperative to keep your cool, especially when driving. Other than that, you also need to know how to deal with aggressive drivers. If your car stops in the middle of a lane and someone is relentlessly honking, try to stay calm.
Be Alert & Observant
Whether you are driving on an isolated freeway to a congested road, you should always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Being observant can save you from unfortunate accidents. And not to state the obvious, but avoid driving under the influence or when sleep deprived.
Invest in Car Safety Features
Certain car safety features can make your driving experience easier and safer. Specifically, you should equip your vehicle with a cross-traffic alert and blind-spot detector. These features will protect you and your car from unexpected collisions.
Don’t Keep Valuables in Your Car
That expensive pair of sunglasses? Your Macbook? Leaving such valuables in your car isn’t a good idea. Apart from being stolen, electronics are also susceptible to getting damaged. During summers, the temperature inside a car rises significantly and may cause your laptop or other devices to warp. It’s better to take such things with you.
Wrapping Up
Driving like a pro in a big city is no small feat. It will require time and patience, but it’s nothing you can’t conquer with practice. Hopefully, the aforementioned tips will help you become a confident and safe driver.
