Hey, you… we need to have a little talk. There’s been quite a bit of talk on the streets lately about NYC drivers. You probably haven’t heard about it because you’re bombing around your car, but it’s not pretty. While we all love not having to mingle with strangers, driving a car in a city like NY is kind of an outdated mode of transport. Biking, walking, and riding the subway are all much safer, environmentally friendly, and courtesy ways to traverse the city. That being said, if you insist on using your car, the people of NYC have a few tips for you.
Use Your Blinker
The stoic body language of a vehicle doesn’t lend itself to social cues. It’s quite difficult to tell which way a car will go without indicating it with a blinker. Considering the confusion that can be avoided with a simple flick of your signal, we urge all drivers to use their blinkers when appropriate. Us walking folk have a crazy habit of occasionally leaving the safety of a sidewalk before we cross the street. Avoid all too frequent pedestrian accidents in NYC by communicating with streetwalkers via the turn signal.
If You Hit, Don’t Run
Making contact with a pedestrian or fellow driver and fleeing the scene gets you a date with a NYC hit and run accident lawyer. Speeding away after an accident will only compound your problem. Make sure the person you’ve hit is okay and drive them to the hospital if necessary. Showing compassion and remorse for the victim is the best way to help your case.
Breathe
Patience in a claustrophobic city comprised of over eight million people is essential when you operate heavy machinery. Although not a prerequisite to obtaining a driver’s license, being calm behind the wheel is just as important as many other standard driving practices. Remaining calm does not look like road rage, dangerous maneuvers, running red lights, or crowding the walkway. A cool and collected driver will make everyone feel more at ease in our loony city.
