How to Drive Safely in New York

New York is a highly visited state with destination places like the scenic lakes and mountain sides of Upstate, the beachfront homes and vineyards of Long Island, and of course, New York City. With more drivers on the road, traffic in New York can seem like a very daunting experience. Here are some helpful tips you should keep in mind and use to better navigate the “mean streets” of New York.

Wear Your Seat Belt

City drivers can too often get into the habit of not wearing a seatbelt because they only have to drive a short distance. In 2020, New York signed a rule into law requiring all passengers in a car to wear seatbelts. Even though the first seatbelt law ever passed in the country was from New York in 1984, the state still lagged behind in requiring all occupants to wear them. In 2019, around one-third of front-seat occupants killed in New York weren’t wearing seatbelts.

Be On the Lookout

New York is home to millions of walkers, joggers, bicyclists and other types of car-alternative enthusiasts. Remember to share the road and watch out for pedestrians. Pay attention to your traffic light because some intersections have delayed green lights ensuring the pedestrian has enough time to cross the street.

Don’t Expect the “Right of Way”

New Yorkers are stereotypically always in a rush, and there is a degree of truth to that. However, when it comes to driving a vehicle, you need to practice setting your urgency aside. Some drivers may not be able to do this and try to squeeze ahead of you even though you have the right of way. A good rule of thumb is to pretend that everyone is a new driver.

Plan Your Path

Make sure you have alternate routes available if you run into an accident up ahead, road closures or heavy traffic. Gridlocked traffic is a very real thing. When traffic gets backed up, especially in the city, drivers can become easily frustrated, distracted and make poor decisions. Have an escape route!

Don’t Drive

It may sound silly, but the safest way to drive is to not drive at all. One of the best parts of city-dwelling is the ability to walk anywhere you want. If you’re just visiting or passing through New York City, be open to using public transportation like trains, subways, taxis and even the ferry!