9 Important Tips to Survive Driving in Large U.S.

Cities

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.

Learn How to Drive in Large Cities

• 1 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.

• 2 If possible, avoid driving in cities during rush hour. Typically, rush hour
traffic is at its peak during the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
and 6:00 p.m. Try to stay off of metropolitan roadways during these times unless
it is absolutely necessary. Rush hour traffic not only increases the time it will
take to reach your destination, it will also subject you to a higher chance of an
accident, more frustration, and the wrath of city drivers who encounter all of the
time.

• 3 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.
• 4 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.


• 5 Depending on which city you are driving in, you may encounter a large
amount of cyclists. Bicycles are a common way for residents of large cities to
travel without having to navigate a car on busy streets. Although cyclists are
supposed to obey the same traffic laws as drivers, many do not. Keep an eye
out for cyclists and always maintain a safe distance from them. Also be aware
 that many cities have specific bicycle lanes to the far right of their streets. Never
steer your vehicle into these lanes for any reason.

• 6 Taxis are common obstacles in large cities. In an effort to respond to

someone hailing a cab, taxi drivers often make sudden swerves to the edges of
roadways. Keep a safe distance from taxis. Watch out for passengers entering
and exiting taxis parked on the side of the road.


• 7 When stopped at a traffic light, be aware that pedestrians have been given
a walk signal and will be hurrying across the street while your light is red. Some
pedestrians may be slower than the walk signal or may attempt to cross the
street even though the don’t walk signal has been employed. Always look both
ways for pedestrians before going after the light has turned green. Never drive
around a person walking across the street, even if they are jaywalking.

• 8 Many metropolitan roadways have parallel parks on both edges. As a

driver, you must take precautions to avoid vehicles being parked and people
entering and exiting their parallel parked vehicles.


• 9 Remain calm. Large metropolitan areas are notorious for stressful

situations that cause road rage. Take your time, pay attention, and employ a
passenger as a navigator.

What to Do in Case of an Accident

Get in touch with the emergency services as soon as you can in the case of a
traffic incident. Trade all necessary information with the other driver, such as
your address, phone number and insurance information. Snap photos of the
site and any damages. Wait for the police to come before moving the vehicle
or leaving the scene. If you are in an inconsequential accident, it might be
acceptable to transfer your vehicle to a safe location on the side of the road to
avoid causing any additional accidents.
Talking to Police Officers All of these terms are polite:
Officer for a man or a woman
Sir for a man
Ma’am for a woman

Conversations Conversation 1
Officer: Hello. How are you?
Person 1: Not so good today.
Officer: Well, how can I help you?
Person 1: My car was stolen.

Conversation 2
Officer: I’m a policeman. Can I come in and ask you some questions?
Person 1: What is your name and badge number?
Officer: I’m Officer Jones. My badge number is 2314.
Person 1: That’s 2314? May I see your I.D., please?
Officer: Here it is.

Conversation 3
Officer: I’m a police officer. Can I come in?
Person: I didn’t call the police. Let me see your I.D. What station are you
from?
Officer: Monterey Park.
Person: Just a minute. (Make phone call to station to verify identification.)

Conversation 4
Person 1: Monterey Park Police Department. Can I help you?
Person 2:Yes. There is someone at my door who says he’s a police officer.
His last name is Jones. Did you send him?
Person 1:Yes, he is a policeman. He’s investigating a crime in the
neighborhood.
Person 2: Okay. Thank you.

Conversation 5
Person 1: Monterey Park Police Department. Can I help you?
Person 2: Yes. There’s a man at my door who says he’s a police officer. His
last name is Jones. Did you send him?
Person 1: No. Is he from Monterey Park or Alhambra Police Department?
Person 2: He said Monterey Park.
Person 1:He is not our officer. Don’t let him in. I’ll send an officer to your
house now.
Person 2: Thank you.