It only takes a few minutes on the road in a big city for a small-town person to realize there’s a massive difference in driving. If it’s an occasional visit, you deal with the traffic and hope for the best.
If you’re making the switch from almost anywhere and moving to Los Angeles, though, it can be a pretty major culture shock. L.A. roads have a life of their own. Anyone who isn’t prepared for what it’s like behind the wheel of a car on the streets of the City of Angels is in for a surprise.
But if Angelenos can navigate the highways and byways every day, so can you. It will take a little time, but with these tips, you’ll transition from a small-town driver to an L.A. natural in no time!
1. Update Your GPS
We know that people used to get around the city without GPS, but we still aren’t sure how they survived. A GPS is essential if you want to drive the streets and highways without a lot of wrong turns.
Get comfortable with whatever app you use for navigation, and make sure you have the latest versions. Chances are, you’ll be disconnected at some point, so your software should have offline functionality.
For your safety, plug in your destination before you start moving. Look at the step-by-step list or map, so you know what to expect. Some GPS apps don’t tell you about your turn until you’re right at it, and that is extra precarious in a city with traffic as busy as L.A. ‘s.
2. Study the Freeways First
You’ve been on highways and interstates before, but never on anything quite like Los Angeles freeways. These roads have anywhere from three to six lanes, making them complicated to navigate.
Your next right turn could be less than a mile away, but you’re stuck in the left lane, where people are driving at least ten miles over the speed limit.
If you’re not sure how soon your exit is coming up, stick to the right side of the freeway. And if you are on the far left, watch out for carpool lanes. They have entrances and exits that come up quickly.
Not everyone uses their blinkers, either. Stay alert and watch for cars trying to get into your lane.
3. Leave Early and Plan Your Route Ahead
When the GPS says your destination is ten minutes away, leave at least twenty minutes early. You’re going to be dealing with traffic throughout part of your trip, and if you’re in a hurry, you’re more likely to get stressed and make reckless driving mistakes.
People in a rush tend to drive faster, make turns without being vigilant, and get angry. Road rage is a serious problem, and you don’t want to cut someone off or show your irritation, only to have them get angry and dangerous.
The best solution is to find out how far away your destination is and plan to leave much earlier, especially if punctuality is important. Try to avoid driving when you know it’s rush hour, or there will be heavy traffic, and learn the back roads as quickly as possible.
Remember, you might not be the one in a hurry, but someone else could be. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, or you may find yourself in need of a Los Angeles car accident attorney.
4. Know the Parking Areas
Like most big cities, parking can be a headache in L.A. There are plenty of public parking garages and areas, but you need to know where they are and which ones are closest to your destination.
Look for parking areas before you start driving. You may have to include two or three potential places on your list if you’re going near popular attractions, or it’s a busy time of day.
If money is an issue, check for free or inexpensive public parking areas. A parking garage can cost you close to $30. Your navigation app should tell you what kind of parking is around, and how much it will cost.
Roads and parking lots often have meter options. This is usually the cheapest way to park, and you can download the most common Pay-to-Park apps.
Watch the fine print. Some meters have a limit of two hours. If you aren’t done within that time, you’ll be hustling back to add more money or dealing with a parking ticket.
Conclusion
As the famous movie line goes, you’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto. But you don’t have to have magical skills to learn how to drive in Los Angeles. Using these tips and a healthy dose of GPS technology, your small-town driving days will be in the dust soon!
Read also: avple
