Although driving a vehicle may seem like a routine activity, driving in a busy city is likely the riskiest thing you will do. You will encounter many pedestrian crossings, constant stop-and-go traffic, and frustrations from reckless drivers.
While you cannot control the conduct of other drivers, you do have considerable control over your driving. In other words, practicing safe driving can help you avoid accidents when driving in a busy city.
Here are several tips for driving safely in a busy city environment;
1. Be Ready to Reduce Speed
According to car accident statistics, overspeeding is one of the common causes of fatal car accidents in big cities. In 2020 alone, more than 139 people died in Chicago due to crashes involving motor vehicles, with speed accounting for 31.9% of total deaths.
Speeding reduces your reaction time and lengthens the braking distance, meaning you don’t have much control over the vehicle if something goes wrong. Therefore, you need to obey the speed regulations when driving in a busy city to lower the risk of fatal road accidents.
2. Be Mindful of Your Surroundings
You never know what to expect in busy environments. That is why you need to pay attention to the local landscapes and other road users when driving in a busy environment.
If, for example, you are unfamiliar with the local road signs or layout, a good rule of thumb is to drive at a reasonable speed and be on the lookout for the road signs.
It would be best if you also were mindful of pedestrians in the neighborhood. Human nature does lead to a slip in judgment, so if you suspect that someone will cross the road as you are nearing a crossroads, slow down or just stop to let them pass.
3. Keep a Safe Distance
While driving in a city, you will encounter busy roads with many vehicles behind and in front of you. The best way to ensure your safety is by maintaining a safe following distance.
According to the National Safety Council, a safe following distance should be a minimum of three seconds. Put differently, the distance between you and the vehicle in front should be at least 285 feet if your speed is 65 MPH.
Maintaining a safe following distance means you won’t have to worry about the cars in front making abrupt stops. You will have ample time to brake or stop and avoid getting involved in an auto accident.
4. Do Not Drive Under Pressure
Driving in a busy environment may be unpleasant, with reckless drivers making the situation even worse. An excellent way to deal with this is to avoid succumbing to the pressure of constantly switching lanes, accelerating, or taking needless risks on the road.
In other words, just make sure you are driving safely so that you and your passengers aren’t endangered. In addition, even if another motorist provokes you, keep your cool and drive away so you may continue to your destination without interruption.
5. Avoid Distractions
While driving around the city, some fascinating things may take your eyes off the road. Common visual distractions in busy cities might include posters, billboards, emergency vehicles, crash scenes, pedestrians, or bicyclists.
Unfortunately, these intriguing sights, usually on the roadside, might catch your attention so much that you fail to concentrate on the road. But that should never be the case.
An excellent way to avoid distractions is by focusing on the task at hand – driving. If you have to enjoy some fascinating sights, pull over and take all your time. Additionally, avoid using your phone while driving or participating in any activity that may distract you from driving.
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