Simply walking in New York City can be dangerous, much less driving. From eager taxi drivers to short-tempered businessmen, everyone is searching for the fastest and most efficient way to navigate the city. Many people wouldn’t even dare to drive through the city, but rather take the subway or a taxi. If you do decide to take that leap of faith and venture through busy streets, make sure to take heed to these invaluable driving tips.
No Turn on Red
Unlike what seems to be the rest of the country, you are not allowed to turn right at a red light in New York City. There are very few intersections where you will be allowed to, but unless you see a sign that clearly states that, we suggest you don’t.
Remember Where You Parked
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the city, but make sure to remember where you parked. A few ways you can do so include:
- Marking your location on your phone
- Taking a picture of the surrounding area
- Taking note of a nearby landmark
The worst situation to be in is knowing that your meter is about to expire and having no clue where you parked.
Avoid Fire Hydrants and Crosswalks
The law requires that you are parked at least 15 feet away from fire hydrants as you will be ticketed if you aren’t. You also need to be cognizant when parking next to a crosswalk. Your tires need to be placed outside of the lines of the crosswalk, if not, expect to be ticketed.
Watch for Pedestrians
They are everywhere! Pedestrians tend to flood the streets of New York City and generally care more about getting to their destination than cutting you off. Pay keen attention when navigating the city as pedestrians tend to cross the street wherever they see fit which can lead to pedestrian accidents.
Pay attention to Street Signs
There are many avenues that can be driven down at a certain time of day, but not at others. These traffic rules help ease the flow of traffic during peak hours. Street signs are also very important when it comes to parking. If you drive down a street and there aren’t any cars parked there, it’s usually for a reason. Whether the streets are being cleaned or it’s a loading zone, parking may be restricted. Don’t think you stumbled upon this undiscovered parking spot. If it seems too good to be true, check the road signs, it most likely is.
While these tips may help you navigate New York City, car accidents are frequent and can happen at any time. If you ever find yourself in this predicament, give us a call at (516) 582-4367. We can get you connected with a quality lawyer in your area that can analyze your case and discuss your legal options.
