Tips for Driving in a New City
A Pew Research Center survey reveals that one in five American adults have either changed their residence due to the pandemic or know someone who did. Changing a residence can mean moving to an unfamiliar city and driving unfamiliar routes. Other Americans may find themselves once again traveling for work or leisure as COVID-19 travel restrictions ease. Getting behind the wheel in a new place can be stressful. Here we discuss tips for driving in a new city.
We hope these tips help you stay safe. If you are injured in an car accident in Las Vegas or vicinity that is not your fault, contact the experienced personal injury law team at Anthem Injury Lawyers. We do not charge for initial consultations and will travel to you at home or in the hospital if necessary. We deal with personal injury cases all over Nevada, including Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Reno, and all of Clark County. There are no fees until you have received your compensation. You don’t have to worry about affordability and you can leave the complexities of dealing with insurance companies and the details of handling your case to our experienced lawyers and legal team. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 for a free consultation.
For a free legal consultation, call (702) 857-6000
Know the Laws
Before you drive in a new city, take the time to familiarize yourself with local driving laws. AAA provides a Digest of Motor Laws. It is an online compendium of laws and rules related to driving and owning a motor vehicle in the United States. Remember, laws change over time and vary by locale. If you are traveling with children, you should familiarize yourself with the state’s seat belt and car seat laws.
If you are traveling to Nevada, see our article on New Nevada Traffic Laws 2020. It covers recent changes to laws regarding the following:
- Traffic citations and disposition
- Speeding
- Move over rules
- Trick driving
- Electric charging stations
- Helmets
- Reckless driving and vehicular manslaughter on private property
Tips for Driving in a New City
A new city may not mean new driving habits. Following simple driving rules can help ease the stress of driving in a new city. Basic tips for driving in a new city include:
- Be prepared for traffic delays.
- Use your turn signal.
- Obey the speed limit.
- Watch for road changes.
- Stop at red lights.
- Avoid changing lanes if possible.
- Stay calm if you miss an exit.
- Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists.
- Wear a seat belt.
- Adjust all mirrors and seats before placing the key in the ignition.
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Plan Ahead
Anytime you are driving in a new location, take time and plan ahead. To help you plan ahead, use the below tips.
Plan Your Route
One way to help reduce the chances of a car accident in Las Vegas (or anywhere) is to plan your route ahead of time. Research where you are driving and the possible routes to take. There are numerous apps available to help plan your trip. You can also ask friends or colleagues in the area for driving recommendations. Use GPS or other map apps to help plan your drive.
Allow Extra Travel Time
A new city means new traffic patterns and possible delays. Avoid driving stress by allowing for extra travel time.
Prepare for Toll Roads
Some states have toll roads. If you are traveling to a state with toll roads be prepared to pay or take alternate routes. There are several apps that can help plan driving routes with and without toll roads.
Arrange for Parking
It is important to plan for parking on any trip. Parking can be expensive and limited in downtown areas. In Las Vegas parking used to be free at most casinos. Now only some casinos offer free parking.
Stay Alert for New Driving Conditions and Road Hazards
Even very careful drivers can be thrown off by unfamiliar terrain and landmarks when they drive around Las Vegas or elsewhere. A new city can mean different driving conditions. New scenery and road hazards increase the likelihood of a car accident. Plan ahead and ask the following questions before your drive:
- Is the city especially hilly?
- Does it have a lot of bridges?
- Do you know if the new city utilizes roundabouts?
- Is the area you are traveling known for one-way streets?
- Are there bicycle lanes?
- Is this area known for tourists?
- Are there wildlife crossings?
- Is the weather different? Will you have to drive in rain, snow, or sunny road conditions?
Planning ahead can reduce the stress of driving in a new city. It can also reduce your chances of a car accident. Unfortunately, even the most cautious driver can be injured in an accident. If you or a loved one are a victim in a Las Vegas car accident, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
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Avoid Travel During Busy Times
Peak traffic hours increase the number of cars on the road. The more cars on the road, the more likely you are to be involved in a traffic accident. If possible, try to plan your travel during off hours. Changing your travel time by a few minutes can make a significant difference in traffic patterns.
Familiarize Yourself With Your Rental Car
Traveling to a new city can mean utilizing a rental car. It may be tempting to try out a new vehicle on your trip. However, a new vehicle brings new challenges. Familiarize yourself with your rental car before your trip. Understand how its various features work. It is dangerous to search for the radio dial or the turn signal when you are driving.
Avoid Distracted Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 36,560 people were killed on U.S. roads in 2018. Of those fatalities, 2,841 involved distracted drivers. Distracted driving is any activity that diverts the driver’s attention away from driving. Distracted driving can be visual, manual, or cognitive. It includes talking on the phone or adjusting the radio. Drivers need complete concentration to adjust to driving in a new city. Avoid the temptation to check your phone or adjust the radio. Never drive distracted.
Safe driving is everyone’s priority. If a distracted driver injures you, contact Anthem Injury Lawyers. Las Vegas Anthem Injury Lawyers is a team of experienced, dedicated personal injury lawyers and case managers. Based in Henderson, Nevada, we work with clients all over the Las Vegas area. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
Never Drive Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
Every two minutes someone is injured in a drunk driving crash. Even more unfortunate, every 51 minutes someone is killed. Drunk driving continues to be a leading cause of deaths on our roadways. A trip to a new city may mean a vacation. During a vacation it can be easy to let the rules slip. Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is never okay. It is dangerous in every city and to everyone on the road.
Sometimes out of nowhere you may get nearly run off the road by a driver who drives erratically – it’s possible that he or she is drunk. If a drunk driver injures you, contact the police and get medical help immediately. Once you have received medical care for your injuries in your Las Vegas car accident, contact Anthem Injury Lawyers for assistance with handling the details of your drunk driving accident case.
EXPERIENCED LAS VEGAS PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
Were you injured in a car accident in Las Vegas? Was it the fault of someone else? If so, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can give you legal advice and help protect your rights. Our Las Vegas legal team understands that being an accident victim can be one of the most difficult things you will ever face. As you deal with your injuries and wonder how to navigate the system, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced lawyer. Precious time can be wasted if you spend it trying to work out your case yourself. It’s possible various details could be overlooked and you could accidentally end up with a much smaller settlement, if you are able to obtain one at all.
Our personal injury lawyers handle all types of motor vehicle accident cases including: car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and bus accidents. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
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