Whether moving to a new city, visiting friends in another town, or just going on vacation, there is a good chance you will at some point in your life have to navigate an unfamiliar place. There are a few things you can do to make driving in an unfamiliar city less daunting.

• When possible, plan the route beforehand. If you are visiting a friend or family member or if you know someone who lives in that city, ask for directions and tips on which roads to take. Many people rely upon GPS when traveling, but sometimes it does not give you the most efficient or best route.
• When driving in an unfamiliar city, be aware of one-way streets. If you are unfamiliar with the roads, it is easy to unintentionally turn down a one-way road the wrong way. Watch for signs indicating it is a one-way street. If you accidentally turn down a one-way street, pull over and get yourself turned around as quickly as possible.
• Eliminate driving distractions. While distractions can cause problems when driving under normal conditions, when you are driving in an unfamiliar environment, it is even more important for your focus to be on driving. Talking on your cell phone could distract you from turning at the correct corner. Trying to find a new radio station could cause you to get in the turning lane without realizing it. Accidents are more likely to happen when you are distracted.
• When first driving in a new city, avoid driving in rush hour whenever possible. The clearer the road, the easier it will be to switch lanes quickly or otherwise navigate an unfamiliar roadway.

Accidents do happen, even when you are being a cautious driver, especially if others are not being careful drivers. If you were injured in an auto accident locally, contact us. An auto accident lawyer will gladly provide you with a free consultation.