New York Rental Car - Driving Tips In NYC

Driving in New York can be intimidating and many will tell you not to. There are about half a million to three quarters of a million cars on the island of Manhattan on any given day. Those cars will tend to move fast, cut each other off, and leave no margins for error.

New York Rental Car - How To Drive In New York Like A New Yorker!
New Yorkers take driving seriously and expect the best of those around them. New Yorkers will respect you if you can show certain local traits while driving; mainly be alert, decisive, go with the flow, and remain calm. Follow the guide lines below and you should come out alive.

Things To Remember

• The yellow lights in New York only last 4 seconds, so no, you will not make it.
• Remember that no right turns are allowed on red lights, unless posted otherwise, in which case you will see a black and red sign stating " After Stop Right Turn on Red Permitted", but dont worry you will hear many horns if you fail to see the sign.
• Most streets in New York are one way streets, so it is a good idea to buy a map that indicates which way the road goes. A few pointers that may help are that even numbered streets go east, and odd ones go west, avenues go north-south and are generally one-way and alternating.
• The tow trucks that tow parking violators are fast, very fast, they can have your car gone in under two minutes, so always obey parking signs.
• Dont ever get caught in the middle of an intersection, always make sure you have enough room to get through before you proceed.

Be Alert At All Times

• When a light turns green, GO. Even a split second delay will result in the sounding of many horns.


• Do wait for the green though, many locals will try to beat the light and go as soon as the other way turns red, this is not a good idea as there is a one second delay, and could get messy.
• Dont slow down to see the sites while driving in the city, you will end up with frustrated people, wait until you are stopped and out of your car to appreciate the scenery.
• Watch out for vehicles changing lanes without signaling, although it is a law in NYC, almost every local ignores it.
• There will most likely always be someone in your blind spot so always check it and dont rely on your mirrors.

Familiarize Yourself With The Area
Always have a good idea of where you are headed, as you will not be able to look at a map and drive at the same time in New York if you want to get to your destination unharmed.

Turning

• Pedestrians have the right of way, and they could be anywhere as there are no anti-jaywalking laws in NYC.
• Signal all turns and lane changes; though few locals will signal lane changes almost all will signal turns. You may have to force your way in as very few people in New York will let you cut in right away.
• Plan to be in the correct lane to make a desired turn ahead of time, as it may take you a while to get in the correct lane, if this fails turn the other direction and "go around the block" dont take any risks while making lane changes.
• It is really important to merge at appropriate times, as it is practiced religiously by the locals.

Check out the Action Car Rental location at 741 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 .