Silver Spring, MD, and most other towns in the state have plenty of one-way streets, which help a great deal to speed up busy downtown traffic. One-direction streets also reduce pedestrian accidents and can often provide a simple solution to road junctions that are awkward to navigate because of poor visibility. Rules of the road are a little different on one-way streets, so if you find yourself using one, follow the four tips below to navigate it safely.
Don’t Be Tempted to Drive Faster
While reducing pedestrian accidents, one-way streets often lead to faster driving, which can cause an increase in vehicle collisions. Drivers who feel inclined to accelerate are usually experiencing an increased sense of safety with no traffic coming the other way. But it’s unwise to speed up on one-way streets, as even if you avoid an accident, you might well get a speeding ticket.
Speed Cameras in Silver Spring, MD
There are plenty of so-called “speed traps” around Silver Spring. These cameras are most often placed where the limit is 35 mph, on both two-way and one-way roads. Many drivers get caught out while accelerating excessively on one-way streets. So keep yourself and others safe by staying within the speed limit at all times.
Never U-Turn
One maneuver you can never perform on one-way streets is a U-Turn. This will obviously bring you into a head-on position with oncoming traffic, which is illegal and rather dangerous. Even if there are no other cars on the road, resist the temptation to U-Turn to get back to a parking spot or exit lane you’ve missed. Instead, patiently drive to the next exit, circle the block, and time your stop better the next time around.
Change Lanes to Exit Safely
As all lanes in a one-way street face the same way, it’s important to use the left-most lane for left turns, and the right-most lane for right turns. If you fail to change lanes in time, don’t be tempted to suddenly cut across lanes to make your exit. Once again, you’ll have to wait for the next exit and find another route to your destination.
Use Lexus Lane-Change Assist
The award-winning suite of Lexus safety systems includes state-of-the-art lane-changing features. When you’re driving the highly demanded RX 350, or any other Lexus vehicle, a whole range of cameras and sensors help you stay in your lane should you unintentionally begin to drift across lane markings. These sensors also help you change lanes safely and effortlessly by warning you of any vehicles in your blind spots.
If You Enter From the Wrong End, Don’t Panic
Even the best of drivers might occasionally find themselves entering a one-way street facing the wrong way. This is, of course, potentially very dangerous as you’re heading into oncoming traffic.
If you find yourself in this predicament, don’t panic, and don’t start trying to reverse out of the street. Just pull over immediately, put your hazard lights on, and wait patiently for a safe lull in the traffic. When there’s a suitable gap, use it to turn around and make your escape.
While navigating the streets of our lovely town, visit DARCARS Lexus of Silver Spring. We’re a well-established and trusted local dealership, providing a one-stop shop for all things Lexus. Want to read more tips & tricks that will better your driving experience in Silver Spring? Click here to discover more blog posts today!
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