Driving in large metropolitan areas presents a unique set of challenges. For drivers who are not used to the busy streets and slower pace of city driving, the experience can be quite frustrating. Here are several tips that can help make driving on city streets a little easier.
Understand that city drivers encounter Traffic Jams, bumper-to-bumper traffic, and herds of pedestrians and cyclists on a daily basis. If you are unfamiliar with city driving, it is important to understand that the other motorists surrounding your car might not be as cautious or concerned as you are.
Stay in the right lane. Whether you are driving on a busy metropolitan expressway or a downtown avenue, staying in the right lane will put you in the company of slower, more cautious drivers.
Watch out for crosswalks. Crosswalks are much more common in metropolitan areas, particularly in city centers. Remember that pedestrians always have the right of way on a cross walk.
The Seat Belt is the most important safety device in your car. A seat belt might appear to be insignificant, but it can save your life. The force and sudden movement on collision can fatally injure a person (ribcage, lungs and heart against the dashboard or steering wheel) or even fling drivers out of the car if they're not strapped in.
Make full use of your External Rear View Mirrors and the Internal Mirror in city traffic. The left side mirror is particularly useful to spot two-wheelers and others who may be trying slip past on the left. You can also get small convex mirrors (called blind spot mirrors) and fix them to your external mirrors to give you a wider field of view.
If you are in an unfamiliar part of town it is advisable to carry a GPS device with you. This will at least tell you the route and you won’t have to stop and hold up traffic asking for directions. These days most smartphones have built-in GPS and Google Maps. If you have one use it.