The Challenges Of Driving On Busy and Hectic City Roads For A Beginner
If you’re new to driving and have just obtained your coveted driver’s license, congratulations! If you think getting the license was the hard part, we’re sorry to burst your little bubble as things are only going to get harder from here. Your first year as an independent driver is going to be the most challenging of all, and you need to be extra vigilant on the road. Driving isn’t an easy task; it requires complex coordination of your motor and observational skills. You need to be constantly alert to whatever is happening on the road and need to exercise caution at all times.
If you’re planning on driving on your city’s busy roads, be aware that urban traffic poses its unique set of challenges to even the most experienced drivers. For a novice, it can be incredibly overwhelming and nerve-wracking. Here are some of the challenges a beginner may face when driving on busy city roads.
Other Drivers
The biggest challenge for a new driver is always going to be other drivers. You can’t depend on the other person for your safety, and you always need to be on the lookout. Always assume that the other driver will end up doing something reckless and you should try to keep a distance.
You can’t trust anyone but yourself, when behind the wheel. A lot of people are often distracted – checking emails and texts – while driving and this poses a serious hazard to everyone around. Especially during rush hours when everybody is trying to reach their destination as quickly as possible, there’s a huge potential for errors and accidents.
This can be daunting for new drivers to navigate as they’re only just beginning to control their vehicles. That is why “defensive driving” should be learned early on to keep yourself safe on busy roads. You need to learn how to anticipate the other driver’s maneuvers and adjust your vehicle accordingly. Look out for yourself, as you’re the only one you can depend on for your safety.
Congested Roads
Traffic jams are now a constant feature for most metropolitan roads around the world. This is one frustrating aspect of urban driving that, unfortunately, you can’t easily escape. With better economic conditions and more people owning private cars for commuting, the traffic on the roads has exponentially increased in the last couple of decades.
However, the capacity of the roads hasn’t been able to keep up and this has resulted in congested roads which are a nightmare for any driver. If this is your first time driving through a busy road at the peak-hour, expect to meet a lot of delays and patience-testing slow-moving traffic. As tempers tend to flare high and can easily provoke drivers into road rage, congested traffic can be a dangerous environment for new drivers.
Studies have reported an increased risk of accidents on congested roads. As the vehicles move and stop frequently, there is an increased risk of rear-end accidents as cars can easily bump into each other due to narrow space. It can be difficult for a new driver to estimate the exact distance to keep between their vehicle and other cars.
According to recent Houston auto accident injury statistics, rear-end collisions are among the most common types of accidents on busy roads. Houston has the highest number of car crashes in the United States, and its congested roads might be to blame. Congested roads are a hazard and can be challenging for new drivers.
Pedestrian Crossings
Just as drivers can be unpredictable, pedestrians can often cross streets at unexpected places that aren’t marked for pedestrian crossing. This can be especially a problem with busy and hectic roads where everybody is always in a rush. As there are a lot more pedestrians on city roads, you need to drive slowly and be always on the lookout for an unexpected pedestrian stepping in front of your car.
Every two hours, a pedestrian is killed in the United States. They’re one of the most vulnerable demographics and as a new driver, you should have a sense of responsibility towards them. Children especially don’t tend to follow rules and can crossroads at places they’re not supposed to. Don’t go over the speed limit and always be extra careful near school parking.
Learning to drive is one of the most exciting experiences of your life, but it comes with a set of responsibilities and challenges. As a new driver, it will not be easy to drive independently on busy city roads, but with enough practice, safety precautions, and diligence, you can build confidence over time. Always keep your wits about you, and practice caution. What seems like an impossibly difficult task will become easier with the right mindset.
