Tips for Driving in the City

Driving in the city is a very important skill, especially if you happen to live there. However, it is also helpful if you only drive in the city during trips, because it’s such a different experience from what you’ll be used to. There are many things you can do to help you better handle driving in the city. With this tips in mind, you’ll soon learn to love the flow and bustle of city life and merge seamlessly with it, rather than going mad and pulling out your hair every time traffic gets heavy.If you do much driving in the city, it is a very good idea to get a smaller car that will actually fit in the tiny spaces. You will notice in the city the streets do not have much extra room, and the parking spaces are no different, so a small car will be better all around. You will have less damage to your car and you will gain more confidence from the fact that you will not be banging into things along your way.If you live in the city or will be going there everyday for work you should consider getting an automatic transmission car which will save you stress and fatigue. If you learned to drive from driving schools then you probably already drive automatic. However, many people swear by manual shifting. This is fine, and it has its advantages, but it’s just not well suited to city driving.There are also a few devices you can get to help you with city parking. Because you will most always be backing into spaces, a rear parking sensor is a good idea. Rear parking sensors are common in a lot of cars, but if you have a luxury car you might have them in the front too. The camera you look at is exactly what is behind you, so you will not only park much better but you will also avoid hitting people and anything else that may wander into the streets.Always think about how efficiently you are driving because city driving will drain gas much more rapidly than highway driving. Never speed up just to slow right down again a few feet down the road. It is very bad to push down the accelerator at a green light and simply brake one street from where you were stopped. This is bad wear on your car and on your gas mileage. You might have learned from your driving instructor to consider your quarter tank mark empty. This will help you in the city where stations are not very abundant, and you will never risk running out of gas.Try your best to stay in one lane when driving because it will be safer that way. You will get to your destination a tiny bit sooner by shifting lanes constantly, but you will be way more likely to get into a wreck. Is it really worth it?Keeping your car safe from crime is another consideration you will need to make. You should try to park in areas that are well lit and busy with many people walking by all the time. Also, never leave valuable or seemingly valuable things in sight. Never leave a shopping bag in sight even if it was for something cheap, because the temptation might be too great for some. In all cases, it is better not to attract thieves to your car.Lastly, you should use navigational aids especially in cities you do not know well. It will not only save you gas, but you’ll drive more safely if your attention is on the road instead of on a map you’re trying to read. All of these things will combine to make you a more confident and effective city driver.