SPONSORED: Tips for safe driving in a big city

Does your daily drive time take you into the big city? Whether you’re a seasoned pro at city driving or new to the game and feeling concerned about the change of scenery, Toyota of N Charlotte is here to help. Check out these safe driving tips for hitting the road in the big city before you climb into the driver’s seat. 

Six tips for safe driving when you’re in a big city 

Tip #1: Avoid rush hour. If you’re new to city driving, it’s in your best interest to avoid rush hour at first. At these particular times in the morning and late afternoon traffic can be extremely heavy and the likelihood of you getting into an accident increases significantly; it can also be anxiety-inducing to drive in these conditions. Try to hit city streets to practice when the roads are a bit emptier. 

Tip #2: Get comfortable. One way to make city driving less stressful is to ensure you’re comfortable in the driver’s seat. Adjust the seat so you’re where you need to be and make sure everything you need is within arm’s reach. Set your navigation before you leave the house, choose a playlist, and ensure you won’t have any distractions once you’re behind the wheel. 

Tip #3: Stay in the right lane. If you stick to the right lane, people who want to go faster will likely pass you on the left. If you feel uncertain about city driving, drive more slowly and stay out of the way of more aggressive drivers. 

Tip #4: Watch for pedestrians. Pedestrian traffic is a lot heavier in big cities and they don’t always do what they’re supposed to in terms of the rules of the road. Pay close attention to your surroundings and use safe driving skills so you’re ready to react and come to a sudden stop if you need to. 

Tip #5: Be aware of crosswalks. Speaking of pedestrians, there are tons of crosswalks in cities. Even if the light is green, you should always double check the crosswalk and look both ways to ensure it’s empty before you pull through in your N Charlotte Toyota. 

Tip #6: Follow road rules. If you want to practice safe driving, you should always follow the rules of the road, but especially in a big city. Stick to the speed limits, leave enough space in between your N Charlotte Toyota and the car in front of you, do away with distractions like your phone, and always use your turn signals to indicate your movements. 

Take a new N Charlotte Toyota on city streets today 

Have questions about safe driving in a big city or interested in taking a new Toyota onto city streets? Call us! Toyota of North Charlotte is open seven days a week at (704) 875-9199. You can also stop by and see us at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville.