Although most cities have great public transport links, there’s nothing more satisfying than getting to your destination on your own time. You don’t have to worry about missing the bus or catching the last train.
Instead, you can simply hop into your vehicle and be there in a matter of minutes. However, when you live in a busy city, driving a car can be more hassle than it’s worth.
In this blog, we’ll explore all our best tips and tricks for driving in a big city. Keep reading to discover them…
Avoid Rush Hour
Depending on where in the world you are, your rush hour may differ slightly. However, as a general rule of thumb, rush hour can occur between the early hours of 5 to 9 AM and, once again in the evening, from 4 to 8 PM.
Find out when the traffic in your area is at its peak and avoid driving down busy roads at these times.
Check For Closed Roads
When you live in a big city, you may find that roads close for construction or events all year round. Even if you know your way around like the back of your hand, it’s useful to type in your destination on Google Maps.
This way, you’ll be alerted of any high congestion or closed roads and offered a new route.
Drive Defensively
Sure, some accidents are unavoidable, but the truth is that many of them are. Driving defensively involves driving at reduced speeds, paying attention to your surroundings, and keeping your distance from others.
If you do happen to be involved in an accident and sustain an injury, click here to find out more about your treatment options.
Download a Parking App
Parking in any large or busy city is an absolute nightmare, especially when you’re in unfamiliar territory. Thankfully, there are now apps to address all kinds of issues.
We recommend that you download a parking app that can point you in the direction of the closest lot, as this will save you plenty of time and stress.
Beware of Congestion Charges
For those who have never heard the term congestion charge before, it’s a tax or fee paid by drivers entering restricted areas. These are typically areas in busy city centres that are heavily congested.
For example in some zones of London, individuals must pay a £15 fee to drive around for the day. So, before you plan your next road trip, make sure to check for congestion charges.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how long it takes to arrive at your destination, it matters if you get there safely or not.
Hundreds and thousands of road traffic accidents happen each day, and driving in a busy city can increase your chances, especially if you’re not used to the conditions.
We hope this guide has helped you feel more familiar with big city driving and that you arrive at your destination as safely and pleasantly as possible.
