VIDEO: Urban Driving Advice

Some drivers become more apprehensive when they’re driving in a major city’s central business district. There are more vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, blaring horns, responding emergency vehicles, one-way streets, bus stops — all of which can combine to make driving more challenging.

Click on the photo or link above to watch a video that offers city driving tips from Vision Zero San Francisco and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.

Additionally, State Farm offers this advice:

  • Avoid aggressive driving and weaving from lane to lane. 
  • Keep a safe distance of at least three seconds between you and the vehicle ahead of you. This will help avoid frequent braking and rear-end collisions. 
  • Watch the traffic ahead closely. When cars in front brake, take your foot off the accelerator to slow down gradually before you brake. Be cautious not to brake abruptly.
  • Stay focused. Keep your mind on driving by avoiding distractions such as eating or using your cell phone.
  • Use your blinkers when changing lanes or merging. Most state laws require activating blinkers at least 100 feet before merging or turning, but some states require at least 200 feet. 
  • Use your mirrors to monitor the areas around your car. Perform head checks to check your blind spots before changing lanes or merging. 
  • Use the length of the acceleration lane to merge safely into traffic. 
  • Be responsible with technology, and plan ahead. Before you start your trip, check traffic apps on your phone or listen to radio reports to avoid extra-congested areas. If you're worried about encountering heavy traffic during your commute, take time before you leave to map out an alternate route on your GPS.
0 Comments