How to Drive in a Metropolitan Area if You're from the Country

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: If possible

   Driving in a highly populated metropolitan area is very different from those dirt roads out in the country where no one is around.
   
   Try to notice how people drive, what habits people seem to have, and what people do in response to certain situations.
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   Step 2: have someone else drive for awhile until you are used to how people drive in the area.

   Unfortunately bumper-to-bumper traffic is often stop-and-go instead of moving along at a stead slow pace. , First of all, go the speed of traffic.
   
   It is very dangerous to be going 35 mph (56 km/h) on the interstate when everyone else is going 70
   -- plus it blocks traffic up, and people won't thank you for it. , Other drivers can't read your mind
   -- they have to rely on things like your turn signal to know what you're going to do.
   
   If you are turning, put on your signal about 10 car lengths before you plan to turn.
   
   Always use your signal when you're changing lanes, and check, double-check, and triple-check to make sure there is a spot open before you change lanes. , This is common sense; it is safer to go on another block and turn around, and it's not going to cost you more than a minute or two. , Not only is it rude to try to speed up to pass them, it can also be dangerous. , It is EXTREMELY rude, and you could find yourself in a rear-end collision, which would be YOUR fault. , This is common sense and it can mean the difference between a preventable wreck or a safe commute. , Everyone is trying to get to some different place, and people are usually more preoccupied with their own lives than looking at other drivers. , If they do, try to figure out what you may have done that prompted it and try to change this behavior.
   
   Realize that the person may have just been having a bad day, and let it go. ,
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   Step 3: If you drive a car with a manual transmission

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   Step 4: prepare for a leg workout if you get caught in rush hour bumper-to-bumper traffic.

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   Step 5: Follow some basic rules of thumb.

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   Step 6: Always use your signal for turning and changing lanes.

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   Step 7: If you realize you aren't in the correct lane for a turn at an intersection

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   Step 8: don't try to turn anyway.

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   Step 9: If you see someone signaling that they need to get into your lane

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    Step 10: slow down a bit and give them room.

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    Step 11: If someone signals to change lanes from your lane to another lane

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    Step 12: DO NOT try to crowd them out by passing them on that side before they can switch lanes.

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    Step 13: Another issue that is common sense

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    Step 14: but seems to often be forgotten

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    Step 15: is that when there is more than one lane in one direction

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    Step 16: you turn right only from the rightmost lane and left only from the leftmost lane unless otherwise marked.

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    Step 17: If you wave to people

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    Step 18: don't be offended if they don't wave back.

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    Step 19: Don't be too upset if someone flips you off.

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    Step 20: Enjoy your drive!

Detailed Guide

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