Whether you’re travelling for work or for pleasure, driving in a new city, country or state can be a little daunting. It’s easy to believe that all you have to do is jump in your car, hit the gas and head towards the sunset, but in reality, when you’re driving on unfamiliar roads and cityscapes, you need your wits about you now more than ever.
Tourists and travellers are far more likely to be involved in accidents on the roads, as well as falling foul of bad drivers whilst they’re distracted in their new surroundings – if you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault in Florida, then you need to speak to a Fort Lauderdale auto accident attorney as soon as possible.
So, with this in mind, I’ve created a simple guide to driving in a new city.
Always wear your seatbelt
The amount of people who neglect to wear a seatbelt simply because they’re on holiday is utterly staggering. Not only does wearing a seatbelt reduce the chance of you being catastrophically injured in a car crash, but it’s also the law. Seatbelt laws and regulations vary across different states and countries however just because locals negate to wear a seatbelt, it doesn’t mean that you should. Be smart and belt up!
Know where you’re going
Having a strong and clear idea of where you want to go is crucial. Not only will it stop you getting lost, but it means you’re less likely to make mistakes on the road that could land you in trouble. Research the address of your destination and check out the route on Google Maps for some clarity. Make yourself familiar with landmarks to help ease the confusion and always research the parking situation before you travel.
Give yourself plenty of time
Whether you’ve booked a meal at a restaurant across town or you’re driving to the airport to catch your flight home. If you have to navigate through a new city to get there, always give yourself plenty of time. That way, whether you get lost or you make a mistake, you have time to rectify these issues and still arrive in good time.
Limit distractions
Loud music, the kids in the back, unfamiliar noises outside and even your smart device. Try to limit the distractions in your vehicle as much as possible. That way you can concentrate on the road and what’s ahead.