Navigating the busy streets of Los Angeles is tricky, even for locals. Driving around LA can be challenging, with its sprawling urban landscape and heavy traffic. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and while we can’t always prevent them, there are steps we can take to minimize their occurrence. Safety on the road is crucial, and here are some tips to help you drive safely around LA.
1. Stay Focused and Alert
Avoid texting, talking on the phone, or eating while driving. One of the most crucial aspects of safe driving is maintaining focus and always staying alert. It only takes a second of not paying attention for a serious accident to occur, and 20 to 50 million people sustain injuries and permanent disabilities globally due to a traffic collision. Always keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and your mind on driving. Minor distractions, like looking down at your cell phone at a traffic light or eating while behind the wheel, can have massive consequences.
2. Follow Speed Limits
Speeding is tempting, especially if you’re running late in LA. However, it is a massive contributor to accidents, which is why you should always adhere to the posted speed limits, as they are there to ensure safety. Adjust your speed according to traffic conditions, weather, and road quality, and take steps like leaving earlier than usual to get to your destination, making your journey more enjoyable and less rushed.
3. Maintain a Safe Distance
You need sufficient space between your vehicle and the one in front of you so that you can brake sharply if necessary. Keep a safe distance from other cars, aiming to maintain a minimum of three seconds of following distance. That way, you have time to react to any quick stops or sharp turns without putting yourself and the driver in front at risk.
4. Use Turn Signals
Turn signals are how you communicate with other drivers. Signal well in advance before making any turns or lane changes, allowing others to anticipate your actions and adjust accordingly. If a car doesn’t realize you’re about to turn, the driver might not stop in time or could accidentally hit you as they think you’re going straight. Forgetting to use your turn signal could be very expensive, as, according to Bankrate, car accidents cost the economy $474 billion in 2020.
5. Avoid Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, excessive honking, and weaving through traffic, significantly increase the risk of accidents. While you may be frustrated with how slowly traffic is moving or sick of navigating LA’s confusing streets, losing your temper is never worth it. Driving unsafely can have serious consequences. Remember that arriving safely is more important than arriving quickly.
6. Be Mindful of Bicyclists and Pedestrians
Although, as of 2022, there were over a billion vehicles worldwide, many people are choosing to walk or ride their bikes as their primary transportation. With the many cyclists and pedestrians sharing LA’s roads, it’s crucial to be mindful of their presence. Give them sufficient space, be cautious when opening car doors, and always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
7. Plan Your Routes in Advance
Always check how long it will take you to go somewhere and plan alternate routes if necessary. Traffic, weather, accidents, and roadwork could cause slowdowns, but if you plan, you can stop these issues from affecting your journey.
Every effort counts in saving lives and preventing injuries on the road. By embracing safe driving practices and prioritizing the safety of everyone on the road, you can enjoy everything this exciting and vibrant city has to offer.
Feature photo by Olenka Kotyk
