The Basics of City Driving To Avoid A New Haven Auto Accident

Whether you live in New Haven or around the city, when you’re driving throughout the city there are certain things you should consider to make sure you don’t get yourself into a New Haven auto accident. Driving in the city is significantly different than driving on the highway for instance. While there remain some constants that apply to driving in any location, driving in the city carries its own set of things you should consider to remain safe.

Before you head into the city you should do your best to familiarize yourself with where you are going so you are not blindly falling your GPS navigation. When you are listening to your navigation and just taking turn after turn as it guides you, you may run into a situation where you are not paying attention to the road ahead and could get yourself into a precarious situation. Also, GPS is not always 100% accurate and therefore it could take you off course and make your trip significantly longer then it otherwise would have to be.

Even the most seasoned city driver among us knows that if you aren’t focused on the road in front of you it could spell trouble. Without a clear view ahead you could run into a number of different scenarios including an accident involving a pedestrian or a cyclist, running a red light or making the wrong turn down a busy street. Many cities, New Haven included, have a number of streets that are labeled as one-way streets and if you’re not paying attention you might go down those streets and put yourself at risk of getting into an accident.

Driving safely in a city can be quite easy as long as you’re focused and locked in on some of the important elements to safe city driving. While these are not the only three rules you should live by while driving in the city, they are good start that will keep you safe.

1.) Keep your distance with the cars in front of you. City driving is notoriously cramped and it can be easy to lose site of the fact that you are too close to the person in front of you or to the side of you. If you’re feeling cramped, you’re not alone. That is why it is so important to place an emphasis on keeping space between you and other cars around you. In the event that a short stop is required you will be in good shape because you will have been proactive to leave enough space between you and the other vehicles around you.

2.) Make sure to diligently use your mirrors, side cameras and turn signals. Your car is equipped with tools that can be extremely helpful in keeping you safe while driving in the city. If you’ve been driving for a long time you likely have used your mirrors to help you decide if it is safe to change lanes or to confirm that on-coming traffic is safe to turn into. With the advent of side cameras this has become increasingly easier, but for those who did not grow up with this technology in their cars it can be easy to forget that it exists. Make sure you are utilizing the side cameras to help give you a clear picture of the lanes around you. Finally, don’t forget to use your turn signals. This can be a saving grace for anyone trying to drive safely through the city. If you aren’t using your turn signals you are putting yourself at risk.

3.) Keep yourself free from distraction and do your best to anticipate your next move and the moves of those around you. This is why it is important to have some familiarity with the city you are driving in and if you don’t why you should look at your route ahead of time. The only way to truly anticipate your next move is to have a keen understanding of the city you’re driving in and barring that to remain distraction free so you can keep your eyes forward and always observing to decide what your next move is going to be.

Driving in the city, for new drivers, can be quite intimidating, but if you take some of the steps above you should be able to remain safe. Any time you are driving through the city there is a risk of a New Haven auto accident, but being alert while you’re driving can keep you safe and help you avoid an injury due to an accident. While there is no way to completely eliminate the risk of getting into an accident in the city taking small safety steps will allow you to reduce the risk and keep you safe while you’re behind the wheel and in bumper to bumper traffic.

If an accident does happen and you need to speak with someone about the situation, you may need to give us a call. Contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will listen to your situation and work with you on a plan for your long-term needs.