It's quite possible that one of the most nerve-wracking situations a visitor to New York City can place themselves in is driving in Manhattan. Congested, loud, with almost no room for vehicular error, driving your vehicle in the heart of midtown can seem like you're caught up in a real life game of Space Invaders.
But driving in the city is no laughing matter. Crashes occur all too often, many of them serious and lots of them that aren't your fault. New York City driving is full of distractions. Taken along with being surrounded by agitated drivers, you can find yourself the victim of a bad accident.
According to Todd Beauregard, a car accident lawyer, whether or not you're suffering from a case of whiplash that's the result of being rear-ended by a tailgating commercial truck driver or you have a loved one who was seriously injured by a drunken driver, you should immediately consult with a reputable attorney. You may be entitled to a personal injury claim.
But then again, if you're planning on visiting New York City, you might want to leave your car at home. According to a recent article, just about every native New Yorker plus anyone who visits the city regularly, will tell you emphatically, "Do not drive in Manhattan."
The city's public transit system is exceptional which means, once you've landed in the city, most of you will find you don't need your vehicle. That's because there are plenty of taxis, Uber share-rides, and buses to get around. Even the subway isn't too difficult to figure out.
Plus, the cost of parking in New York City on a daily basis is pretty much astronomical.
But then there are times when you have no choice but to drive into the city. That's when you are placing yourself in danger of being rear-ended or t-boned by a vehicle that blows a red traffic light either mistakenly or on purpose (we're talking New York, after all).
But this is why the experts will tell you it's necessary to learn the "rules of the road." On top of this you need to learn the secrets behind affordable parking garages, plus navigating all the major bridges and expressways into the city like the George Washington Bridge and Harlem River Drive.
The Major Rules of the Road
The experts all attest that even the most confident drivers can feel intimidated by New York City's fearless pedestrians, and traffic congested roads and streets. Due to the city's 24/7 business philosophy, the rules for the parking, turning, and passing are different from what you might be used to in Suburbia.
Road Signage
New York City contains lots of major avenues where making a left turn during specific hours is illegal. That said, you need to keep one eye on the road, and another out for road signs.
The rules are said to be engineered to limit congestion at intersections that get busy during peak business hours. If you make an illegal left turn, the police can ticket you on the spot (pleading ignorance due to being from out of town won't work).
"Hey, don't block the box!"
If you can see that a traffic light is about to change to red, try not to get caught in the center of an intersection and the accompanying crosswalk. If you hear people shouting, "Hey, don't block the box, buddy!" you'll know you've made a mistake. There are also signs that warn of blocking the box and it can result in a heavy fine.
Use of Cell Phones
Using hand-held devices like smartphones, especially when texting, is strictly illegal. However, notable exceptions include hands free devices like dash-mounted GPS or making an emergency phone call.
Diving While Intoxicated
If you get pulled over for driving while intoxicated in New York City, and put in jail for the night, you'll wish you hadn't left home to begin with. Keep in mind, the blood alcohol content, or BAC, limit for driving under the influence in Manhattan is .08 percent.
If you don't want to cause a collision and serious injury or death to yourself or someone else, don't drink and drive. Full stop.
Smoke 'em If You Got 'em
Actually, don't smoke in your vehicle while driving in New York City if you are with a passenger who is 18 years of age or under. This will result in a fine.
Blowing Your Horn
Honking your horn when it isn't necessary is strictly forbidden in noisy New York City since it only contributes further to the noise pollution. How much of a fine will you pay for being a jerk who loves to honk his or her horn without cause? $350.00.
But here's the thing. This rule is rarely enforced since it is considered a "cathartic expression" for the typical New York City resident.
Welcome to the Big Apple. Please obey the rules of the road if you wish to avoid a crash.
