The Federal Highway Administration states that the average mileage each driver will cover each year is close to 13.5 thousand – and that’s a lot of distance to cover! Whilst some driving might take place on more exciting routes (Route 66, California’s Blue Ridge Parkway, or Montana’s Going to the Sun Road are just some of the more famous road trip examples), the likelihood is that the majority of journeys you make will take place in built up, urban areas full of other vehicles, turns and signals. So how can you make driving in the city equal to driving for fun?
Modern driving
Back in the 18th and 19th century, travel by road was something to be endured, rather than something to enjoy. Transportation methods were often slow, uncomfortable and loud; the roads were in poorer condition; and the road network itself was limited. Modern cars, on the other hand, offer a multitude of features which can enhance the driving experience – it’s worth making the most of the entertainment systems, voice activated accessories, and navigation and display tech on offer in many models, as well as the infrastructure and environment around you, to change your perspective of the essential commute or the immediate city area available for you to explore.
Taking to the wheel
Grabbing your keys and getting in the car doesn’t need to be a precursor for pain. One benefit of driving in an urbanized area is the quality of the roads, which are often more well maintained, scrutinized and updated. Whilst wet weather might be more of a risk when driving for fun down bumpy country roads, in the city, the surface is usually up to task, meaning you know you’ll be safer if you need to stop, and you’ll experience improved fuel efficiency too.
It’s also to be expected that an urban infrastructure will be busier, too. Whilst this might initially seem like a negative aspect of driving, you can flip it on its head, and make the most of recognizing potential frustrations of slow speeds, stop signals and jams. Understanding that you’ll be moving at a slower pace, and leaving earlier to ensure you get to where you want to go, means you can plan to entertain yourself as you travel, take in the sights when you’re driving slowly, and avoid that sinking-feeling when you’re suddenly confronted by a huge mass of stationary cars in front of you due to an incident or street works.
Diversify your route
Knowing where you are going is always useful, but knowing all the different ways you could get there is even better. If you’re used to always traveling the same tired roads, why not change things up a bit and explore your local area – you’ll not only identify more enjoyable options; you’ll also discover new things to see and do close to you. Think about parking too – if you plan in advance and know where you can stop off safely, you’ll avoid that hunting for a space stress that’s particularly enraging when the roads are busy and you only have one quick errand to do.
By thinking about your behavior and acting as a role model for others, planning ahead, and ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride with plenty to see along the way, you’ll probably find you’re enjoying urban driving a lot more than you did before. Grab your snacks, stock up on water, and identify stops, sights and parking along the way, and you’ll soon see that the city-driving life can actually be a cause for pleasure, rather than pain.