Tips for NY City Driving
From Alfa Romeo of Larchmont
The idea of driving in New York City can be stressful all on its own. The constant traffic where you don't move at all for what can feel like hours. Pedestrians who walk out in front of cars without paying attention to traffic signals. Construction that backs up traffic for miles and turns four lanes to one. City vehicles that impede traffic or just pop up out of nowhere behind you and force you to move out of their way when there is nowhere to go. The team at Alfa Larchmont knows all too well the stress of driving in the city. SO we thought we would put together some tips that help us survive driving in New York City.
Pedestrians Jumping Out in Front of Your Car
Pedestrians are everywhere and can just jump out in front of your car, so always keep an eye out, be aware of your surroundings at all times behind the wheel. Try to make eye contact with pedestrians attempting to risk crossing the street when you have the green to go. Many pedestrians are wearing earplugs. You can lightly tap your horn to warn them
Stay Calm Around City Vehicles
City vehicles provide essential services for the city but can also make newer drivers anxious. Sanitation trucks blocking intersections, Ambulances that come up behind you all of these vehicles can create a stressful driving environment. The first thing you must always do while driving in New York is remain calm. If you encounter a sanitation truck blocking traffic, stay in your vehicle and calmly wait until the truck clears the road; remember they are doing their job to help keep the city clean. If you are stuck in traffic and there is an ambulance behind you, pull to the right as far as you can and let the ambulance go by. If you are at a red light and an ambulance behind you, pull to the right in the intersection as much as possible without interfering with approaching traffic.
New York City Taxis
Taxis are all over the city and can be quite challenging to deal with as a driver. They stop short to pick up customers, then will dart in and out of traffic to get to their destination as quickly as possible. When you come up to an impatient taxi driver, do not challenge them. Just let them pass it is not worth the stress.
Driving Alongside Buses
Buses like taxis are all over the place whether its a tour bus or City bus you are sure to be surrounded by them at some point in your trip. Tour buses provide transportation so that people can see the sites, in doing so, they move very slowly, especially when picking up people along a route. They also make wide turns, which can frustrate someone driving behind them. City buses can also slow down traffic flow as they make frequent stops to pick up passengers. So if you are behind a bus, stay calm, and when it is safe, move into another lane.
No Right on Red
If you are visiting the city or just moved here, you may be used to turning right on red lights. Well, in NYC, that will get you a hefty fine between $100- $300. Unless it is posted, right turns on red lights are illegal.
Alfa Romeo FIAT of Larchmont is here to make your visit great!
New York City is a beautiful place with many great activities to do, so the next time you decide to visit, follow these simple tips, and your visit will be stress-free! Be sure to stop into the Alfa Romeo FIAT of Larchmont dealership and say hi! We always love meeting new people and first-time New Yorkers!
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