Mike White Ford has dealerships in Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint, Idaho. While both of these communities have grown considerably over the last few years, they still have a relaxed vibe. The people in North Idaho are friendly and accommodating – even the drivers! But now and then, most drivers here will also venture into urban environments, whether a road trip to Seattle or popping into nearby Spokane for an evening out.
Navigating the bustling streets of a large city can be daunting even for experienced drivers, and driving in an unfamiliar city is even more stressful. The constant flow of traffic, crowds of pedestrians, worrying about safety, and unexpected obstacles require a heightened level of awareness and patience that is foreign to people used to suburban or rural driving. But whether you’re a seasoned city driver or venturing into an urban environment for the first time, these ten driving tips can help make your journey smoother and safer.
1. Plan Ahead and Use Navigation Apps
Before hitting the road, look at your route and plan your trip using navigation apps. Most apps enable you to stay updated on traffic conditions, as well. Even older cars have GPS systems, but newer cars allow you to pair your phone to use driving apps like Google Maps or Waze that will reroute you to reach your destination if you miss a turn or there is an unexpected traffic snarl. Setting your destination beforehand can remove much of the stress of driving in the city.
2. Build in Extra Time
Traffic congestion is common in cities, especially during morning and evening rush hours. Plan your trip to avoid high-traffic periods and give yourself extra time to account for potential delays. Padding your schedule will allow you to arrive at your destination without feeling rushed or stressed.
3. Use Your Turn Signals
Using your turn signals is always important, but it is crucial on crowded city streets. Clear signaling helps reduce confusion and promotes smoother traffic flow, making the driving experience safer for everyone on the road.
4. Defensive Driving is Key
Stay alert and anticipate potential hazards. Always watch the vehicle in front of you in case of sudden stops, but also check the traffic a few cars ahead. Keep a safe distance between other vehicles, cover the brakes with your foot to react quickly to sudden stops, and constantly scan your surroundings for pedestrians, cyclists, and parked cars.
5. Respect Pedestrians
In urban areas, pedestrians have the right-of-way at crosswalks. Always yield to pedestrians and be cautious when approaching intersections, especially when pedestrian signals are active.
6. Stay on the Right
Unless passing or preparing for an exit, a good practice is to stick to the right lane on highways and major thoroughfares — these are usually moving more slowly, giving you a little more time to adjust to your surroundings. However, watch for arrows and other indicators of turn lanes and one-way streets to ensure you don’t go somewhere you don’t want to go.
7. Avoid Distraction
Anytime you are in an unfamiliar area, it is vital to stay focused. Avoid distractions such as texts, talking on the phone, listening to music, talking with other passengers, gawking at the sights, or any other activities that take your attention away from driving. Distractions significantly increase the risk of accidents, and this is even more so when driving in cities where there are more cars and more pedestrians.
8. Be a Courteous Driver
Practice patience and courtesy towards fellow drivers. Avoid aggressive maneuvers such as tailgating or cutting off other vehicles, as these actions can escalate tensions and lead to dangerous situations on the road. At the same time, don’t be overly cautious. There is a difference between being courteous and being indecisive, so keep calm, safe, and respectful of other drivers – even if they don’t exhibit those traits!
9. Learn to Navigate Complicated Intersections and Interchanges
In suburban settings, roads can be half a mile from one another, and highway onramps and offramps are usually clearly marked. That is not always the case in cities. City blocks are close to one another, and an interchange may be routing drivers in four or five different directions. Read signs, try to move to the correct lanes early, and use your GPS to assist you.
10. Remain Calm
Even if you make an error, you can usually get back on track quickly. Accept that there may be a few trials, so be patient with yourself. City driving can be stressful, but maintaining a calm demeanor is essential for safe driving. Take deep breaths, stay focused, and avoid panicking. Driving well in an urban environment takes some practice, so be at peace with the fact that you will have a learning curve.
Safety is always the most critical consideration in driving, and driving in a city can present risks for you, your passengers, your vehicle, and other road users that may be uncommon in rural or suburban areas. If you keep safety your top priority, don’t spend too much time worrying about any other problems you encounter; it is okay to get lost, make a wrong turn, or be late for an appointment or event, so don’t give in to stress or frustration.
At Mike White Ford, we love driving, and the cars we sell can handle all sorts of driving environments, from offroading in the wilderness to navigating city streets. If you are in the market for a new ride, please visit or call one of our Mike White Ford dealerships today to find out how we can get you on the road!