Part of the joy of buying a new car is getting out on the road and experiencing the thrill of driving your vehicle at its peak performance. Yet dealing with busy streets and highways can quickly deflate your enthusiasm by creating safety challenges. Here are some pro tips for worry-free driving in Phoenix.
Avoid Peak Driving Hours
You’ve found the perfect new Mercedes-Benz for sale and can’t wait to drive it off the lot. Keep in mind that you’ll have a better shot at enjoying a pleasant, and accident-free, journey if you avoid moving through Phoenix during the busiest traffic hours.
As in most major cities, Phoenix’s business district experiences heavier congestion as workers travel to and from their offices. Fender-benders and serious accidents are more apt to occur at these times of day, as people are often in a hurry or distracted during their daily commute. By picking up your car from the dealership at midday and driving outside of commuter rush hours, you’ll have a safer journey the first time and every time.
Watch for Notorious Trouble Spots
If you’ve lived in Phoenix for a while, you probably already know the most dangerous spots. Interstate 10 in the valley, for instance, is cited as one of America’s most treacherous roadways, likely due to the high volume it carries. Always check traffic reports before driving along this highway, and whenever possible avoid the stretch where SR51 and Loop 202 merge into it. This so-called “mini-stack” interchange is prone to accidents.
Heading north out of Phoenix, Interstate 17 is also a frequent spot for danger. In the city area, you’ll deal with typical traffic issues, but further up the road there are steep inclines and sometimes poor weather that may result in accidents. Check weather and traffic reports before hitting I-17, as it’s better to stay safe by staying home when conditions aren’t ideal.
Plan Around Visitor Influx
In many parts of the country, winter months are quieter in terms of tourism. This isn’t the case for Phoenix, where snowbirds, European travelers, and other off-season visitors head to the western capital to enjoy the mild winter weather. The roads around the city are surprisingly busy from December to February, and drivers unfamiliar with local roads often present hazards not posed by local drivers.
Reduce your risk year-round by limiting your trips near popular tourist sites. You should also steer clear of Footprint Center and Chase Field when there’s a baseball or basketball game, and don’t go near State Farm Stadium in Glendale when the Cardinals are in town. That’s because the heavier visitor traffic becomes around these venues, the greater the risk is to your safety.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve gotten some ideas for traveling more safely through the Phoenix area, you’ll have greater peace of mind when you take your new car out for a drive around town. Just limit your downtown drives during rush hours, avoid dangerous roadways, and keep away from popular visitor sites, and you’ll stay safer each time you get behind the wheel.
