How to drive in a city.

Millions of people drive in and through cities on a daily basis. These simple steps can help reduce headaches associated with driving in a city. It can be stressful, but with a few tips and some common sense, everyone can get where they need to be.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Car
• Insurance
• Common Sense

1. First things first, make sure you have a valid license and insurance. With more people in a city driving at once, you must make sure that you’re legal to drive and you’re covered in case something happens. Things happen!
2. Pay attention and be vigilant. Make sure to be aware of what is going on around you. Pay attention to all the cars in close proximity, not just the cars in front and to the side of you. Pay attention to what’s happening a few cars ahead. Make sure to leave plenty of distance between you and the cars ahead of you.
3. Watch for emergency vehicles. Don’t listen to music so loud that you can’t hear sirens. If you do hear sirens, try to figure out where they’re coming from and be aware that you should pull over if they are coming up behind you or are crossing an intersection you are nearing. Also, if you see an emergency vehicle or accident on the side of the road, continue to pay attention to your driving—not the accident
4. The general rule for lane usage is the left lane is for passing and faster moving cars and the right lane is for slower cars. If you’re driving slower than other cars, stay in the right lane, it will help traffic move smoothly
5. If you are the first person at a stop light, be sure to pay attention to the light change. There are plenty of people in a hurry to get somewhere and the slightest delays can slow traffic tremendously
6. If you need to switch lanes, be sure to use your turn signal. This is the only way others know you’re switching lanes or turning. This simple step will not only save you from getting a ticket, but can also save you from getting in an unnecessary car accident.
7. When driving onto a highway, remember only to brake when necessary. Many times simply letting off the gas will suffice. Often times, when one person brakes there is a ripple effect and it inevitably slows traffic.
8. If possible, switch lanes when people are merging onto the highway. If this isn’t possible slow down slightly in order to let them onto the highway
9. Conversely, if you are merging onto the highway, be sure to use the off ramp to gain speed. They are designed to allow you to gain speed and enter traffic at everyone else’s rate of speed

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to be aware of high traffic times and allow yourself adequate time to get where you need to be.
• If you happen to get in an accident, move it to the side of the road if at all possible.
• Try to stay calm.
• Many people have road rage. If you encounter an individual who is driving in an overly aggressive manner, or is a danger to others, call the police.