Hampton Roads is full of traffic. Most people commute for work. Driving through each city poses different challenges due to traffic and constant construction. It can be overwhelming at times. Before hitting the streets, consider these driving tips to keep you safe out there.

1. The best thing you can do before getting out on the road is familiarizing yourself with directions. Limit the amount of times you need to glance at your GPS. Driving on the highway especially can leave you vulnerable to sudden stops. Driving through the city increases your chance of having to avoid pedestrian traffic.

2. Look out for one-way streets. There’s nothing worse than driving through an unfamiliar area and realizing that you’re on the wrong side of the road! Cities are full of one-way streets. Be mindful of them to avoid making a sudden last minute swerve.

3. Research driving laws. Surprisingly, not all traffic laws are posted on street signs. It’s best to look these up to ensure that you’re not making an illegal right turn at a red light.

4. Look at for bicyclists. They are commuters, too and they have the right of way. Be sure to yield to them in traffic and look out for bikers when making turns and changing lanes.

5. Sharpen your parallel parking skills. Finding parking in the city can be challenging. Sometimes, your best option is to parallel park. It can be intimidating parking with traffic piling up behind you. Brushing up on your skills can make parking in the city much easier.

6. Keep change in your car. Most tolls are done by taking a picture of your license plate and billing you, but you never know when you might need change for a toll or parking meter.

Ultimately, the best driving tip we can offer is to remain calm and patient in traffic. Take your time. It’s the best way to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.

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Night driving can be extremely dangerous. It sounds pretty obvious. However, it impairs your faculties more than you may think. Nighttime driving affects your peripheral vision, depth perception, as well as your ability to see and distinguish color. In fact, 40% of fatal car accidents occur at night. Here are some helpful hints for when you’re out night driving.

1. Proper maintenance of your head and taillights is key. Without a regular cleaning, your head and taillights can get hazy. Give them a good washing every couple of weeks to improve their performance and clarity.

2. Wash your windshield, front and rear to keep visibility up. Don’t forget to wash your side mirrors as well.

3. You may not know this, but you can actually adjust the angle of your headlights. They can be aimed properly if they’ve gotten off track. This will aid greatly with your visibility when driving at night.

4. Dim those dash lights. The darker the cabin of your vehicle is, the better you can see the road.

5. Go ahead and turn those headlights on at or even before sunset. This will not only increase your ability to see, but also other’s ability to see you.

6. You headlights are actually a measuring tool. Low-beam headlights can see up to 160 feet. High-beams shine up to 500 feet. However, don’t “outdrive” your headlights. Always give yourself enough time to stop when night driving.

7. Avoid the lure of the oncoming headlights. When you’re tired and driving at night, it can be easy to zone out and stare into the headlights of oncoming traffic. This is an aspect of highway hypnosis as well as driving past pavement marking after pavement marking. Stay alert by checking your mirrors frequently and observing your surroundings.

8. Along with observing your surroundings, check for animals especially deer that may be crossing your path. This is most important to watch out for at night, when animals are roaming around looking for shelter.

9. Limit your distractions by staying off your cell phone.

10. When driving at night, your number one obstacle is fatigue. Do your best to stay hydrated and if you’re driving a distance, take small breaks.

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