San Francisco is a gorgeous and unique town, but some of that beauty and idiosyncrasy can make traveling a bit more unconventional than in most cities. Heavy commuter traffic, crowded streets, complex one-way road networks and notoriously bad weather all complicate the typical trip from A to B, even if it’s just to pick up bread and milk.
For those unfamiliar with the city or who are still getting used to it, here are some San Francisco travel tips that can make the getting around in the Fog City just a bit easier.
Drive Slowly, and Pay Attention to Road Conditions
It can quickly turn from sunny to drizzling in downtown San Francisco, and the constant morning fog leaves its mark in the form of droplets saturating busy roads. Combine that moisture with San Francisco’s sometimes nearly vertical street inclines, and you have a recipe for bad traction.
In these conditions, take it easy! Accelerating, braking or turning too quickly can create a slide. If you are on a steep, crowded, one-way road when you lose control, even a small fender bender can end up taking a few hours to completely unjam. Spare yourself and other drivers by making note of the road conditions — including how wet, steep or well-paved they are — and adjusting your driving accordingly.
Recognize San Francisco’s Unique, Unspoken Transportation Rules
Every city has their own unique way of navigating its streets. In Atlanta, that means changing lanes sans signal and within a hair’s-breadth of other drivers even though there is plenty of room on the rest of the road. In New York, it means that driving lanes are suggestions.
In San Francisco, drivers are particularly generous when yielding right-of-way to pedestrians, bicyclists and even parked cars backing out. These groups in turn usually seize right-of-way whenever they get the chance, even if it means disobeying written traffic laws. Be particularly wary of pedestrians crossing during a DON’T WALK signal or bicyclists pretending that stop signs are a figment of your imagination.
Another bit of advice: don’t treat lanes as rough guidelines like you would in New York. As Kevin McKean from SFGate explains: “You must know where each lane will go several blocks (or miles) ahead and get in the appropriate one now. As a corollary, once in a lane, you should mostly stay there. And so long as drivers around you are not obvious jerks[…], it is considered polite to yield to some idiot who signals that he/she wants to enter your lane even if that means delaying everyone behind you.”
The Best San Francisco Travel Tips: Trust in Our Public Transit
Driving through heavy SF traffic can be a nightmare, and finding parking is even worse. If you define sitting in a motionless car for a few hours as “a bad time,” then consider relying on our public transit options instead — or, as the locals call it, “Muni.”
Muni buses, Muni light rail and BART transit lines are all fairly convenient and reasonably priced, especially when compared to parking fees! You can dial 511 or visit www.511.org for free, consolidated advice on all your Bay Area transportation options.
Also, remember that the cable cars are mostly there for tourists rather than actually getting you somewhere on time.
Know Where You’re Going Before You Go
San Francisco may feel concentrated compared to the sprawl of L.A., but it can still easily confuse or overwhelm the unfamiliar. Always plan out your walking, biking or driving routes in advance to stay focused on your trip rather than constantly checking to see if you are lost. Make note of dedicated cycling lanes and pedestrian areas.
Also, as a general rule, don’t give money to panhandlers (“care not cash”), solicitors and avoid anyone suggesting you “come check out our folk revival band!” But if you are actually into that sort of stuff, be sure to check out the Tenderloin!
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney if You Have Been in a Car, Biking or Pedestrian Accident
No matter where you are or how you travel, you have a right to not be injured by negligent drivers. If you have been injured in a car, biking or pedestrian accident in San Francisco, make sure to pursue your right to compensation with the help of an experienced San Francisco personal injury attorney.
Contact Gruber Law Group today to speak with an experienced law professional who can give you a free consultation and tell you your options for your case.
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