Does this also sound like you? It's ok--driving in large cities like Toronto, especially in the core, can be very stressful, even for those for whom it's familiar. There are so many things you have to keep your eye on, and the pace of it can be erratic and all too rapid.
While this may not compel you to get in your car and head on to Yonge and Dundas for a leisurely drive, here are a few tips to help if you live outside a major city and planning to make a trip in, whether for a business meeting, or some form of entertainment.
1. Take It Slow: It's not a crime to drive slowly in the city--there are speed limits you know. Often the limit is 50 or 60 kilometres per hour, which really isn't that fast. I know it's easy to feel the pressure of the guy in the Audi R8 zipping up behind you, and those flying past you staring scornfully into your car, but it's really not your problem. If other drivers are agitated, it's because the pressure of the city can do that to the best of us.
2. Stay In Right Lane: There are a lot of stops and stops in this lane, which is precisely why you want to be there--it'll give you more time to find your street, or parking for the venue you're going to.
3. Give Yourself Time: If you have to make a left hand turn that is coming up, give yourself plenty of time to get into the left hand lane and prepare for the turn. If traffic is heavy through the light, don't panic--eventually the cars will have to stop for the yellow/red combination, at which time you can safely make your turn.
4. Keep Your Eyes Open For Pedestrians: This is one of the most important things in city driving, simply because pedestrians are everywhere, especially if you're in a place like the the downtown core of Toronto. If you have to make a right hand turn on a green light, don't get hung up across the crosswalk--you could have some angry pedestrians knocking on your car and saying things that will only amp up your cortisol levels. There is so much stimulation in the city--cool architecture, bright store-fronts, crazy hair-dos, etc--that can be a major source of distraction, and can lead to a collision with a pedestrian. Keep your eyes alert.
5. Use Your GPS: If you have a GPS, use it--especially if it gives voice instructions. This will allow you to find your way while keeping your eyes on the road and not having to stare down at instructions. If you don't have a GPS, and are working off a print-out from home or written instructions, get a good feel for them before you leave, or simplify them down to as few parts as possible.
6. Avoid Rush-Hours and High-Congestion Times: When my friend mentioned above has to go to the city--those odd occasions, maybe once a year--he never goes when it's busy. If he is going to a concert or some other engagement, he will go as early as possible and leave later to avoid the high-congestion times. If you can't avoid it, the best thing you can do is just be patient, take it slow, and stay relaxed.
7. Do Not Text Or Stare At Your Phone: Trouble can spring up on you in a heart beat when you're driving in the downtown core--it is not a place to text or stare at the GPS on your phone. Even texting at an intersection can divert your attention from what is happening around you: pedestrians, cyclists, bad drivers, you name it. You need to stay totally and completely alert.
8. Cyclists Have Rights Too: Just because you don't come across cyclists that often in your suburbs and towns, doesn't mean you can be ignorant when in the city and not be mindful of cyclists. Indeed, cyclists have as much rights to the road as possible. If they make you totally nervous, or you think they have a chip on their shoulders--which they often do after months and years of hassle from motorists--check out this post. Being mindful of them and ensuring their safety, and yours, is all part of the obligations when driving downtown.
9. Avoid Confrontation: The city is full of people in high-stressed jobs, strung out on chemicals, and just plain jacked up from the pressure of city life. You don't know who the guy in front of you is, or the woman behind you; and you don't know what they are capable of. If someone cuts you off--just take it. If a cyclist gets in your way or waves his fist at you--apologize and move on. If a pedestrian knocks on the hood of your car because you've crossed into the cross-walk turning right--leave it alone. The key is to get to your destination safely and with your full wits about you.
10. Enjoy: The city is an amazing place, and driving it under the right conditions can be one of life's great pleasures. While it can be full of stress and unpredictability, it's also a place of opportunity, culinary delight, and architectural awe. If you would like to feel more comfortable driving in the city, get out when you can and drive it. Get a sense for its different neighbourhoods and villages. Walk it as well. If there is a subway or light rail system, take it. When you've walked it enough, and have a sense of the roads, you'll be able to navigate it better.
No comments:
Post a Comment