Speed limits on highways in NYC is 50 mph, not 55 mph.

@cuttyf74

Жыл бұрын

I do 60mph on a 50mph pass cops they don't pull me over

@Vehicles-And-Stuff

Жыл бұрын

the state speed limit is 55, some areas are 65 though.

@johnmor3541

Жыл бұрын

@@cuttyf74 they usually don’t do anything until it’s 15 above

@mm-nyc

Жыл бұрын

​@@Vehicles-And-Stuffthat is state, not city. All highways in NYC are 50 mph - even the LIE. As soon as you hit the Queens border there is a 50 mph sign.

@Where2bub

Жыл бұрын

I was thinking on that one, some the limit is 40mph.

Rule #11 don't bother driving. Take a train into town and then do a lot of walking.

@DarrienGlasser

Жыл бұрын

This is the only right answer. Why would anyone drive in New York?

@karankshah

Жыл бұрын

Plus 5 points here. The only time it makes sense to drive into NYC is if you have a car full of people and you are just going to park in one place for the whole time. A round trip on the subway/Path is $5.50 - the toll inbound alone is $16. Driving will save you no time, and finding (legal) spots to park your car will take longer still and will force you to walk at least a few blocks anyway. If you really have money to burn and you’re trying to get crosstown you can uber once you’re in the city.

@Not_Sal

Жыл бұрын

If you live in Eastern Queens you essentially have to drive. When I lived in Bayside I would use LIRR if I needed to get into the city. I’d take the bus if I was going somewhere not too far. Other than that, I essentially had to drive. My commute to work was 15 minutes by car. With public transit it would take over an hour riding on either two busses or on LIRR and then the bus. Mind you I only lived 10 miles away from my job.

@TheKewlPerson

Жыл бұрын

@@DarrienGlasser I try to take the train into the city whenever I go, but unfortunately living on Long Island, to go literally anywhere else I have to go through the city. Even avoiding Manhattan by taking the Throgs Neck or Verazanno bridges are still a nightmare.

@pauloneufneufneuf

Жыл бұрын

Indeed. For NYC, there is the phrase "Do you think we have enough time to take a cab?"

pro tip for people from out of town: unless you absolutely need to, don’t drive in NYC. take literally any other mode of transportation.

@ace20016

Жыл бұрын

Duly noted -Brevard County, FL resident

@jasonreed7522

Жыл бұрын

That was always the plan. ~Upstate NYer with 0 desire to visit the city and barely likes driving on country roads let alone in cities. I had to drive in Boston (technically Cambridge but the distinction is like pretending Yonkers isn't basically NYC) for work before and of course my timing aligned perfectly with leaving in rush hour traffic, i have never been more amazed at the power of "traffic snakes" to halt traffic fully outside the city leaving the city before.

@ruslannabioullin3664

Жыл бұрын

Or just don't even go to NYC.

@user-xg8yy7yl1d

Жыл бұрын

So if you are bringing a vehicle along on a trip through many parts of the US where in NYC can it be stored and be safe?

@officialgreendalehumanbeing

Жыл бұрын

@@user-xg8yy7yl1d parking garage

I think an essential driving skill you learn from driving in NY is to not have road rage from inconsiderate drivers. There are way too many inconsiderate and dangerous drivers to be angry, and you just have to accept it and drive defensively

@djwestbrook36

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, its so funny how flustered people from out of state get over the smallest things. NYC actually makes for sharper better drivers. And they won't flip out over some trivial person cutting them off.

@JadeDragon407

Жыл бұрын

Good point. A lot of that could be said for any major city, I think. I've been to 42 states and 4 provinces and "crazies" are everywhere. You just have to learn to keep with whatever the flow is and not to let anything get to you; Keep Calm - Carry On kinda applies out there.

@dmac6004

Жыл бұрын

I am from NJ and frequently in the city. What you believe to be inconsiderate drivers are really not to those of us who understand what is happening. Actually in a strange sort of way I find in many areas they are actually more courteous, for instance you will rarely see an issue at a merge point and there are many of them, a virtually all of us simply alternate merge (i.e. every other car) my most memorable of that is a situation where a 5 lane highway had to merge into a single lane because of an accident, because we all merged we never stopped moving, slow yes but never stoppen. also the freeway speed limit is 50 mph not 55. Another local Civil highway engineer.

@andrew1360

Жыл бұрын

@@dmac6004 my idea of inconsiderate drivers are the BMW/Civic drivers who swerve in and out of lanes in between cars at the tightest spots, typically going 35+mph more than the current flow of traffic. It's frankly ridiculous that people drive like this, risking countless lives and innocent families. But you could either be pissed all day every day you drive down a NY highway/parkway, or you can accept it, be aware of your surroundings, drive defensively, and get out of their way

@aj.meso26

Жыл бұрын

Very valid point and a friendly reminder. Being on the road is a mix of different drivers and levels of driving. I've been patiently told by a friend that road rage isn't worth it and it's true. Just avoid those drivers

One you missed is short yellows. In fact, you blow through a red light at 6:20. Traffic lights in NYC are set up to go from green to red with the yellow lasting only about 1 second. When I lived in Queens, but worked in Long Island, I had to keep aware of the difference between the 5-10 second yellow lights out there and the short yellows in NYC. Useful tip: Use the ubiquitous, lighted Walk/Don't Walk signs as a heads-up for when the traffic light will change. They'll flash red for about 10 seconds or so before a light change. Learn about The Better Car Rule: Whoever has the better car is the one who has to be careful. This does not apply to taxis/car services, who don't give a crap either way. As a lifelong New Yorker, the best advice I can give is this: In any given situation, try to imagine the most stupid, most obnoxious, most oblivious, most selfish, most idiotic thing someone can do and mentally prepare yourself for it. A lot of times you will not be disappointed.

@williamerazo3921

Жыл бұрын

Yup. Plus these red lights s have cameras

@Modeltnick

Жыл бұрын

Florida is getting like NYC.

@williamerazo3921

Жыл бұрын

@@Modeltnick the fk they not

@RyanLeague

Жыл бұрын

I've only been ticketed for speeding on woodhaven, never for going through a red light. New york city is designed for driving through red lights (just as they are turning red). You'll often see multiple cars go through an intersection after it turns red. As long as they are not interrupting the flow of the adjacent intersection, its fair game, and you'll see traffic cops don't give a damn if you go through the light just as it turns red. Imagine coming from florida where a camera ticket is like minimum $171 or $250, and here its just a measly $50

@kurt9395

Жыл бұрын

@@RyanLeague It's not that simple. The reason the fine is so low is because with the cameras, they don't know who's driving the car. So the owner of the car gets the $50 fine, not the driver, so no points. I know because I was caught by a speed camera I didn't know about on Queens Boulevard, right where you come out of the tunnel under the LIE (I was wondering why everyone was driving so slow. Now I know). However, if someone gets pulled over by the cops for running a red light in NYC, the fine to the driver could be somewhere in the neighborhood of $500. If you get a second one within 18 months, then on top of the fine, you have to pay a "driver responsibility assessment" of at least $300 over the course of 3 years. Instead of "Excelsior" the state motto should be "Hand over your wallet".

Props for driving in NYC and getting footage of the entire city! Your rules are for the most part, spot on. The no left turn rule usually applies in the daytime; there's too many people walking on the street. Most highways are 50mph, or in the case of FDR Drive, 40mph. Double parking is illegal (except for street cleaning), but rarely enforced. One big rule for driving in NYC: *You can't drive scared.* You'll cause a lot more problems if you're driving like you're afraid of an accident. I was born and raised in NYC, and I learned to drive in Manhattan of all places. Talk about trial by fire.

@Batmarc6

Жыл бұрын

#facts #respect ✊🏽🚙👍🏽

@JakeSDN

Жыл бұрын

Double Parking is illegal even with Street Cleaning it is up to the traffic agent or sanitation department whether they enforce it or not.

@connorwilliams2908

Жыл бұрын

@@JakeSDN Many times people will get ticketed for double parking, but it's neccesary for people to make deliveries and pickups. I do work for a trucking company which services the NYC area, and it's amazing how many times there's just no place to park a box truck. The only way to do the job would be to double park and many time we've gotten ticketed.

@vincegay986

Жыл бұрын

The no-right-on-red protects pedestrians, and gives them a fighting chance of getting across the street. The left-turn restrictions greatly help traffic flow, and also protect pedestrians. There’s a whole art and science to driving, walking, or biking in Manhattan.

@newyork5x5

Жыл бұрын

Correction: Double Parking is ALWAYS illegal, even during street cleaning. The traffic agents just let it fly since they know theres no parking elsewhere and you've moved from the spot that needs to be cleaned.. BUT you can still risk a ticket for it, plus this only happens in certain areas.

My added tips- -Be assertive. Locals know if they hesitate they won't get anywhere, so it's basically a free for all. -Enter Manhattan before 9am on Sunday and you can park on the street in many areas that don't allow parking during the week, plus locals with cars are most likely away for the weekend and won't be coming home for a few more hours. You can park a few blocks away from Times Square and other major tourist spots for free. Check the signs, most commercial and no parking zones will say "Except Sunday", and you can stay in that spot all day. Spots start filling quick by 10-11am. Extra bonus is that traffic in Manhattan is light Sunday mornings. -Small cars can fit in to the limited spots. I always drive my VW GTI and leave the truck at home.

Bravo! You nailed it. You can understand that as a trucker, I declined trips into or out of Manhattan. Here's how to circumnavigate the parking problem as a visitor. Stay at the La Quinta in Secaucus, NJ. It's a nice hotel with free parking. Across the street is a bus stop that will take you to Penn Station in 15 minutes.

@canadagood

Жыл бұрын

I have visited Manhattan four times as tourist but have only slept there once. Motels in New Jersey are a fraction of the price and, as you wrote, the bus or train ride into Manhattan is less than twenty minutes.

@rashakor

Жыл бұрын

Quality inn in Union City NJ is another one. The park and ride is also right there. Buses every 7 minutes straight into Penn station.

@shturmovik3033

Жыл бұрын

After a few trips to NYC, I developed the rule of: avoid NYC at all costs…

@fmartin59

Жыл бұрын

@@shturmovik3033 what did you do there? Just curious. I never found any reason to visit NYC.

@drewscreen

5 ай бұрын

​@@fmartin59It's the center of the known universe!

I love that your comments reflect a holistic understanding of transportation and not just "New York has so many SILLY rules and BAD drivers." I also your "when in Rome" attitude in regards to regional driving behaviors

Your 11th tip should definitely have addressed the subject of the bicycle lanes… Which carry not only bicycles, but scooters motorized skateboards, E bikes, etc. Both pedestrians and drivers are woefully unaware of just how much bicycle lane traffic there actually is in the city and how potentially dangerous being oblivious to them could be.

@catlerbatty

Жыл бұрын

Car youtubers usually are unaware of anything else except cars. They live in a bubble.

@rubirunner8487

Жыл бұрын

Agreed. Need to really watch approaches to intersections, turns etc. A lot more scotters/e-bikes now, some pay no attention to traffic lights. Also, some bikeways are in between parallel parking and sidewalks, watch before turning and crossing! Also summer time in the Express/Parkways with motorcycles skirting in between lanes, specially if changing lanes. Also changing lanes, you really need to keep track of what is around you. Good video, thanks you.

@jonpharis991

Жыл бұрын

Agreed! The main Bike Rule I'd have is to always expect for there to be a bike or pedestrian in your blind spot, and then move over or turn once you've confirmed there isn't.

@flighted2513

11 ай бұрын

Yeah because american drivers aren ttaught to look in their right mirror before turning right lmao. When that's an automatic fail in the UK (not looking at mirrors before making a turn)

As a NYC native who started out driving in Manhattan and The Bronx, I really feel like I'm at an advantage when it comes to defensive driving and being aware of my surroundings than people in every other state. Also on basically every parkway with winding roads in Westchester and LI everybody is speeding 20+ over the limit. I routinely find myself going 75 on the Saw Mill Parkway and there's still people weaving around me. Driving here I think makes everyone a better driver not necessarily smarter but better.

@JakeSDN

Жыл бұрын

The farther from the city and later it gets the faster it gets in my experience.

@billywalsh9140

Жыл бұрын

@@JakeSDN the Sprain is probably one of the fastest Westchester highways at night it never has cops so people go 90+. The Bronx river Parkway is also fun to speed down at night, especially if you go down it enough to know every turn

@eliasthienpont6330

Жыл бұрын

75 on the Saw Mill.... I'd wet my pants! Out here in North Dakota the posted is 75 (65 in construction zones)

@factsfacts17

Жыл бұрын

on every long island parkway the unwritten speed limit is 80

@boltinabottle6307

Жыл бұрын

@@factsfacts17 Ocean Parkway in Suffolk is nuts. People actually speed up when it gets all bouncy (east of the roundabout). 90+ is the norm.

The no turn on red law is actually pretty well followed in my experience. It's a pedestrian safety thing cuz they're in the crosswalk but driver is looking other way for oncoming traffic if they're trying to make a right on red.

@Jabid21

Жыл бұрын

Spot on. Only times I’ve seen anyone turn right on red are: 1) ones who run red lights all the time and don’t care. 2) Careless tourists with a rental car or has a plate that’s not NY, CT, PA or NJ

@jasonreed7522

Жыл бұрын

He did mention it needing better signage for outsiders like myself who are used to the norm being right on red. The irritating thing with right on red is its not inherently unsafe because you are SUPPOSED to come to a complete stop as if its a stopsign before proceeding to enter the intersection. And normally it is only forbidden in locations where it is particularly unsafe like a complicated intersection or an intersection with terrible visibility. But based on these clips, NYC definitely needs the blanket ban on right on red turning. (Just make it obvious for people used to obeying the traffic rules where right on red is normally fine.)

@Jabid21

Жыл бұрын

@@jasonreed7522 agreed. I mean NYC does put those signs telling the no turn on red rule and citywide speed limit at the city’s entry points and airport exits. But those signs really are not big and obvious enough for many visitors. The city definitely needs to do better with these signs. And when it comes to safety, What’s safe for drivers aren’t necessarily safe for other road users like cyclists and pedestrians.

@Fools_Requiem

Жыл бұрын

The problem he mentioned was that there is often no indicator. Leave NYC and any intersection where right turning on red is illegal, there's a sign for that.

@MariahIsSkinnyFuckBlueLives

Жыл бұрын

I live in a suburban area and I hate turning right on red at massive stroad intersections, because I have trouble telling what lane people are driving in...I usually only make the turn once all lanes are clear (if it happens before the light turns green) 😅

fun fact - theres no road test locations in Manhattan. I learned to drive here, I feel like it gives me the confidence to drive anywhere

My father was a bus driver for like 25 years, driving commuters from NJ to NYC and back again in the evening. I can't imagine putting up with all the traffic for that long.

You left out the most important rule - don't drive in NYC if you don't have to. Take the subway. Another rule, you must yield to pedestrians when making a right or left turn on a green light. They have the right of way. You also have to keep a close eye out for bikers. They are everywhere and don't obey the traffic laws. This is especially true for carry-out bike drivers. I don't find the BQE to be too bad. I usually hit it when the heavy traffic is opposing me. I always take the lower deck when crossing the Verrazano Bridge. The lanes are wider and you don't have to put up with trucks. If you are taking the Verrazano from NY to NJ and hitting the Jersey Turnpike, be sure to use the right most lane at the toll plaza. The entrance to NJT is immediately after the toll plaza and it is hell to get over if you are anywhere but the furthest right hand lane. If you do park on the street, be sure to check out the signs for street cleaning. The ticket witches will write you up if you are parked on the street when it is scheduled for cleaning.

A friend of mine in NYC owns a large condo unit that came with two parking spots. He has since bought two more parking spots in the building. He has 1 car and rents the other 3 spots out at what I consider outrageous monthly fees. I live in LA and even by LA standards his prices are high. He said he has no problems finding customers.

i live in nyc and drive all the time, and he’s spot on in this video, especially rule #5. i had some friends visit out of state and said that my driving habits would get me road raged where they lived. They were also shocked that it took 40 minutes to go 2 miles 😂 To drive in NYC you need to be an aggressive AND a DEFENSIVE driver. like my foot is honestly hovering my brake most of the time and i also developed supernatural instincts on when a car is about to do some stupid shit

@leroyjenkinsss1767

Жыл бұрын

YUP. Driving in the city is ALL defensive driving ALL the time. The starting and stopping constantly i'm sure would drive folks from rural areas a little insane. Before I drove here I did bike messenger work in the city so the defensive driving came natural because my mind was already conditioned for it

@liltimshady

Жыл бұрын

Most driving rules in other parts of the US don't apply to NYC. Hell, most of the other drivers will go crazy because there's no right turn on red (unless a sign says it's ok). I've seen thousands of dashcam videos and the comments are crazy; they hate left lane drivers with a passion. They won't survive in NYC because every square inch counts. We're pretty aggressive, but there's a method to the madness. Also, it's not personal, we've got places to be. 🙂Respect. ✊

@ppumpkin3282

Жыл бұрын

To drive in the city you need to know how to avoid those two miles forty minute situations. You need to know when to go, and how to go. And if you can't avoid those ugly situations - take the subway, walk or don't go. NYC is a walkers city.

@Stephthemenace_

5 ай бұрын

I basically always assume someone is gonna do some dick head shit and hover over my breaks as well lol

One note I would add after working there for ten years is that you should have your tires checked. Anytime you pull over into a parking spot you are vulnerable to picking up a nail, a spike or other sharp object as the areas near curbs tend to gather lots of debris.

@Batmarc6

Жыл бұрын

… and keep your gas tank full by filling up before you arrive into the city. The outer boroughs are a little better but you definitely don’t want to be in Manhattan and have your tank on E and be subject to the far and few between gas stations on the island as well practically double the price of the national average.

@liltimshady

Жыл бұрын

@@Batmarc6 Without a doubt! A bunch of Manhattan gas stations closed in the last 10 years to make way for condos and luxury rental apartments.

@schwenda3727

Жыл бұрын

To hell with debris, there’s severe wear on plentiful stretches of pavement to where a flat or blowout may happen out of nowhere. Even moreso if one has a car with low profile tires… Scratching the surface, that city would rather better maintain their 25 mph streets than their 40-50 mph highways. The ramp between NB I-95 east of Henry Hudson/GWB to southbound Harlem River Drive (just about FDR) and the Battery Park Underpass northbound right as it turns into West Street we’re some extraordinarily ROUGH stretches even to Southern Michigan & worst case scenario Oklahoma standards… and typically said states are as rough as things possibly get.

@geardo3635

Жыл бұрын

Some places like Staten Island in winter you can get your tires punctured because someone thinks you took 'their spot' when it really is public parking.

@eliasthienpont6330

Жыл бұрын

@@geardo3635 Well, they cleared the spot, so it IS their spot. I use a LEOPARD to watch my spots.

As a long time New Yorker, there is really only ONE rule to driving here: don’t do it! 😂

@TheReverb1

3 ай бұрын

ride a bike

I grew up in the Midwest and have lived in the Orlando metro for 25 years now, which at times can have truly awful traffic. I’ve also driven right through downtown areas of huge cities like Chicago and L.A. myself. But NYC is one place I’ve really had NO desire to drive through. I’m sure I’d survive, and I’m very used to driving in many many big cities. But while I’m a very experienced and defensive driver, I’m also a big stickler for the rules. Every day I get frustrated by people not using turn signals, speeding, not leaving safe distances, not maintaining their cars, tailgating, passing in no passing zones, not knowing how to use roundabouts, etc. So although I’ve been to NYC a handful of times, driving there would absolutely make my head explode. I’ve gotten stressed out and it’s felt like a roller coaster just taking cabs there. Wow. Thankfully NYC has some pretty good public transit.

@jeffyang4936

Жыл бұрын

It's true about the drivers in NYC don't follow rules. The lane lines are really suggestion and any open spot of pavement is fair game. However I will say one redeeming thing is NYC drivers are "predictably" aggresive, which paradoxically may be safer cuz you know how other drivers are going to act ...

@jeffking4176

Жыл бұрын

Orlando - I’m in Jacksonville. Seems to me they drive about the same, [ just as aggressive], but with no regard as to speed. Florida drivers seem to have no concept of “speed-limit “. Interstate 4 has been, for many years, THE most dangerous stretch of highway in the US, but seems they’ve done a fantastic job on it - at least through the Orlando area. 🚗🙂

@cgimovieman

Жыл бұрын

@@jeffking4176 I agree with that about I-4. The stretch through Orlando (thankfully about 98% complete except for the extreme north side by Sanford) is absolutely worlds better and pretty nice now. But that stretch from just south of Disney all the way to Tampa? Holy crap is it horrendous. No matter the time of year or day. Not just traffic, but the road itself, constantly being worked on, lanes shifting and mismarked, stretches like coarse grit sandpaper, etc. I’m up in Jacksonville just once a year, and have run into traffic there too on the freeways. But I get more confused by some of the non-freeway roads downtown. We may not have snow and freezing weather here, but the heat can do a number on our roads. And even more so, the explosive growth and number of people. I’ve heard that stat on I-4 though, and mile per mile, I believe it.

@josuermorales

Жыл бұрын

​@@jeffking4176 It still needs work... traffic at all times every day heading south to Tampa.

@liltimshady

Жыл бұрын

@@jeffyang4936 That is mostly true. There is a method to our madness when it comes to driving.

This is why you don’t drive in to NYC. Get the train instead we have a lot of them (this biggest subway system in the USA) and they go most places in the city for only $2.75 and it works Most of the time and is Easy to navigate ther is also the Long Island Rail Road and metro north for Long Island and west Chester and upstate. And Amtrak and NJ transit

@americangiant1003

Жыл бұрын

Yup. Especially for CT/Hudson River Valley most of the Metro North stations has 'park n ride' spots with train service to/from Manhattan usually from about 5am-1am 7 days a week.

As people have said, avoid the Cross Bronx Expressway. But I had to drive in the city one day in the middle of Covid, and my phone recommended taking it. It was like one of those zombie movies. It was near empty. One of the most surreal experiences of ever had driving.

As a new york native... I can agree. All of these are very well thought of. You will develop a new york attitude driving through. You will learn very quickly, when driving in NYC, it's easier to drive at night its the literal best time. When in traffic... you give an inch they'll take a mile, learn the free crossings.. You'll lose 30 to an hour depending on traffic and time of day but it'll keep you from racking up toll costs. Finally. Read those parking signs, get apps etc.. or else you'll get hit upside your head with a ticket or three.. maybe even booted or towed.

@punchkicker3837

Жыл бұрын

Real New Yorkers use the subways and commuter rail system.

@switchback445

Жыл бұрын

@@punchkicker3837 fr

@brentbeacham9691

Жыл бұрын

I paid the city 2000.00 over 10 years for curb cleaning, boots, tow’s, and impounds.

@DimSum9685

Жыл бұрын

@@punchkicker3837 facts

Mileage Mike, I totally agree with what you are saying here. I presently live in Las Vegas, NV but I am from Cold Spring, NY (10 miles up NY 9D from Bear Mountain Bridge were you once traveled) and visit often. I have driven through all of the boroughs of New York City as recently as 2019. Every one of your 10 rules are SPOT ON! Thank you for this video!

My goodness, as a born and bred New Yorker, now residing in Florida, I'd say you handled that quite well! I cut my driving teeth in NYC, and one of my last jobs in NY was as a courier. My route was from Manhattan to Montauk on any given day, traveling the world's longest parking lot and other congested roads, suchas the Northern and Southern State Parkways, as well as Jericho Tpke and 25A, Sunrise Highway, or The Conduit as it is called west of Valley Stream. Yes, we call all the roadways by name, and I do think it is because of the reason you referenced. Here in FL, many of the roadways have dual indicators as well, although there are only four major interstates. Bravo to you for being able to navigate NY roadways, and come away with your sanity intact!

Great video! Brings me back to my recent trip to NYC in January when I drove my car and parked it in Midtown. As others have said these could be some other "rules": 1. Alternate Side Parking Rules in Manhattan. Almost all streets will have twice weekly street cleaning schedule in which you need to move your car. Most people simply sit in their car and double park the other side when the sweeper comes through. 2. Fire Hydrants. Any parking space you must be 15 feet from the hydrant. Not 14 foot 12. 15. YOU WILL GET A TICKET. These are not physically signed or marked as "no parking" zones you just have to know this. 3. Checking curbs for nails. I had a taxi driver tell me while I was there you should always check the curb before you stop or park for nails which can puncture your tire. Sometimes people just leave them there to purposely puncture your tire - or worse will do it while you're parked. So much for the twice weekly "street sweeping." Overall, being aggressive and not afraid to assert yourself is key in New York. If you don't like cutting into traffic and weaving lanes constantly with inches to spare catch the train. For the rest of us it's an experience.

@Taima

Жыл бұрын

"Not 14 foot 12" ...that's 15' lol

@kiwiinterstates3190

Жыл бұрын

@@Taima lol that’s funny. I’m not American so I still don’t fully understand the imperial system.

@drewscreen

5 ай бұрын

Yeah that nail advice is truely disturbing - and necessary, I heard also is true in some European cities 😳

As a former New Yorker I can say you did an excellent job of explaining driving in NYC, what one can and cannot do. But like any New Yorker, you do what you gotta do (and can get away with) driving the mean streets of NY. Really good job with this video.

Lived in or near Philly most of my life but moved to North jersey 10-12 years ago and have to drive through NYC often for my job. He is not exaggerating. This is 100% accurate!

Lifelong NYC resident. Your video is mostly spot on (except for the speed limit error others have pointed out). You can't relax when you drive in New York City. Every example of bad driving you have ever experienced in your life you will encounter every day in New York City. I will add a couple more warnings to your list. Beware of buses. Whether they are pulling out of bus stops or changing lanes, they will do it regardless of traffic. If you are next to them in traffic you will have to change lanes. The bus drivers don't care that they are about to drive over your car. Second, look out for license plate numbers that begin with a capital "T." They are taxis and they are atrocious drivers. Same applies to yellow cabs. If you see them, prepare for the worst. It's inevitable.

@willvr4

Жыл бұрын

Yeah...if you relax while driving in NYC..you WILL get into an accident.

@edwink1467

11 ай бұрын

True. Bus drivers know they are in a huge vehicle that doesn’t even belong to them. If they crash, oh well. You in the little car is the one who will get hurt and your car is the one that will be damaged. Those T plate Uber drivers are some of the worst drivers I have ever seen. Most are incredibly impatient because they drive all day and are paid by how many trips they take. And they will make crazy turns and stop in the middle of the road to wait for passengers, giving no fucks to the cars they are blocking. You also have to be aware of delivery drivers on e-bikes. Those fuckers give no fucks about their lives and will run every red light without looking, speeding through pedestrians, merging right in front of you with no warning, etc. People on Citibikes aren’t much better. Again, they give no fucks to traffic signals and will run in front of your moving car when you have green light just because they know you are the one in trouble if you hit them. They don’t even bother to look at your direction because fuck you what are you gonna do? Hit them?

Bravo, for an out-of-towner, you nailed it. It's dog eat dog here. I was driving a delivery truck, sometimes an 18 wheeler, from age 15- without a license. I learned to just hit them- they get the message. Driving in NYC was good prep for driving in Marrakesh, Naples, India, and other lawless places, tho things are much calmer now than when I was young when, truly, back then: anything goes. We used to drive on the sidewalk, against a one-way street, and back up the entire block. You had to work to get a ticket in NY. The 25mph speed limit is a money making hoax. The speed limit was 30mph for decades until they checked the city budget. There are speed cameras everywhere in Manhattan, plus cameras for red lights. Luckily, these tickets are not the normal kind, have no points, and only cost $50 after they send you your ticket by mail. Camera tickets are illegal in NJ, so have at it, and the speed limit is only a suggestion. It can still take 30 minutes to go one block in Manhattan, so never follow Google. At $14.75 just to enter the island, at my age I avoid the place.

@alexb.1320

Жыл бұрын

revenue generation made easy by wrapping it in the 'vision zero' b.s. sweeping across North America.

I learned to drive in Boston but I've lived in NC too long now to ever even think about driving in NYC. Props to you!

@MileageMike485

Жыл бұрын

It was such a relief to get back to NC after that. 😂

@marcvanderwee

Жыл бұрын

I have a Dutch driving license for 40 years, as I live in the Netherlands. But in September 2011 i drove in NYC, also Manhattan. Without any problems. And I enjoyed it. If you think NYC is bad, look at the traffic in the Peruvian capital Lima. I drove there as well and that was really funny. And a great experience!

As a native New Yorker, most of these are pretty accurate. Before I totally left the area I owned a store in Manhattan and would drive in every day from Long Island, using the Belt Parkway/Van Wyck/BQE to the Manhattan or Williamsburg bridge. Some days it really would take me about 2 hours one way to drive those 14 miles, but like anything else, with experience you do learn the little tricks that help you find parking and avoid traffic (mostly). But, I do have a saved screenshot of Waze showing me being stuck in a 50 minute delay to get off an off-ramp from the Belt Parkway. 50 minutes to go 1.4 miles. No particular reason. No accident or anything. Just traffic. Also, those double parked cars are definitely illegal, but since there really is no other place to stop for short periods, cops will usually overlook it unless you're *really* blocking traffic. If nobody can get by, you'll get a ticket. Otherwise, they'll usually ignore it because what else are you gonna do if you need to make a delivery or pick somebody up? Give up and go home?

@BloodRider1914

7 ай бұрын

Did you ever use Long Island Rail? Seems like that would have made sense if it took you 2 hours to drive just 14 miles.

I think that NYC really suffers by allowing massive trucks in the densest parts of the city. I’ve seen so many trucks get stuck or crash that I feel like it would really help reduce the cost of road maintenance and accidents by simply having distribution centers outside the city in NJ or in Westchester county and having the final miles driven by smaller vans or lorries.

@Batmarc6

Жыл бұрын

The goods have to be delivered.

@rogerlewis196

Жыл бұрын

The problem with smaller vehicles is that they don’t hold enough freight to fill most stores orders….they would be constantly running out of stuff.

@josephveksenfeld5344

Жыл бұрын

The problem with taking the trucks off the highways is how do you get the freight into the city? While New Jersey has a well developed freight rail network, if you want to send your goods into New York City or Long Island by rail you have two choices: either send the rail car on a multi-day journey up to Selkirk, NY, near Albany, or use the NYNJ car float operation that makes one or two tips per day by barge between Greenville Yard in New Jersey and Bay Ridge Yard in Brooklyn taking 12 to 15 rail cars at a time. The freight traffic heading to Long Island takes back seat to LIRR commuter operation. That's why trucks are, despite the traffic congestion, the fastest way to move freight.

@gamerk316

Жыл бұрын

Except then you have to have twice as many vans delivering the same amount of goods.

@charlesphilhower1452

Жыл бұрын

Trucks are a part of commerce in the city. Without the ability to accept deliveries some commercial property becomes worthless.😊

I live in DFW, but I have been to NY and NJ allot. I have two more rules for you: 1) You might as well wire your brake pedal to your horn or vice versa. 2) If you miss an exit, your next chance to turn around will be in Pennsylvania.

@brentbeacham9691

Жыл бұрын

At least NYers don’t drag African Americans to death behind their cars.

@deanchapman1824

Жыл бұрын

😂😂😂 some truth to that!!!

Rule 7A: When traveling on the Avenues (as well as Broadway), stay towards the center lane until you're about 2 blocks from where you need to turn. This helps you avoid all the vehicles stopped on either side of the road. Rule 11: Taxis, Limos, Bicycle messengers and delivery riders on scooters DO NOT CARE! The light is red? Don't care, I have to make my delivery. Need to discharge passengers on a busy street? Don't care, I'll stop wherever I feel like it. One more thing about expressways versus parkways: if you're driving a truck, you WILL have to get off the parkway at some point regardless of whether the cops catch you or not. The bridges on most parkways are too low for a truck to pass under. 🙂

@xarbinchaoticneutral1785

Жыл бұрын

L 9

Rule 12: do not use the belt parkway or the Van Wyck Expressway in Brooklyn/Queens after 11am on the weekends, either direction. It will be backed up for miles. I knew of this and still went to the Aquarium in Coney Island last year. Took me 40 minutes to get there and twice that to get back to my home in Westchester County. The only good thing about that is that my EV got so much energy back from the stop and go traffic that I only used 17 miles of energy for the 31 mile trip.

Trucks don't drive on parkways because they are usually 12.5 (13') feet high and overpasses are generally only 11 (11.5') feet clearance. Most being built back in the days of the WPA (c. 1933). 30 years ago I was traveling to New Jersey, through the Bronx, When I entered the Bronx it looked like post war Berlin, Germany with all the 'damaged/destroyed' buildings. Coming back I spent a Hour on the Washington Bridge with Traffic delays. Man, that bridge sways!

Today I spent most of the day driving around Manhattan for the first time in my 42 year old life... most of my driving skills were obtained from my life in rural Appalachia (far southwest Virginia). I recalled this video, your advice really helped me. Had I not watched it, the experience would have totally caught me off guard. You were spot on, especially about the cutting people off. I applied a "when in Rome" mentality, and just endeavored to drive like a New Yorker. You were right about congestion on the expressways. What a mess! Frankly I had a better time driving through Times Square... I really enjoyed the scenery and want to return, but many commenters recommend using the transit systems and I'm inclined to agree. I think NYC would be much more fulfilling without 4 wheels to worry about.

Two things: If you have to drive in the city, the quickest way is the way that involves the least number of turns. If you need to drive from A Ave and B St to X Ave and Y st, drive all the way across B St to X Ave, turn and drive to Y St. When I first got to NYC, I had to move a ton of boxes in my car from my sister's in NJ to my apartment in Queens, which meant going through the Holland Tunnel and driving across Manhattan to the Williamsburg Bridge. Almost every road out of the tunnel forced me to Canal St., which took forever to cross. It was much faster to cross Manhattan on Houston St., although it took great effort to find a way to get to it -- the effort was worth it.

As a native New Yorker, #5 is spot on. You HAVE to be aggressive in NYC. Every square inch on the road is free real estate.

@plapin3538

Жыл бұрын

if you give someone a free pass, then you just gave everyone behind them a free pass lol

@el.aye.bee.4477

Жыл бұрын

That's a fact! The "he who hesitates is lost" rule is most applicable when driving in NYC.

The same applies to the area of New Jersey directly across the river from the city. The only difference is that we'd call parkways that pre-date the Interstate system as "Routes" so it's Route 4 and Route 17.

I have to say as someone that grew up in NYC, you are spot on! I moved to New Jersey 2 years ago because of the traffic congestion and lack of parking. And yes the BQE is literal hell you can lose your mind driving.

Nailed it. Local here. Totally right about following distance and aggressive driving. Great primer.

As someone that was there for the Knicks game earlier last week, I can confirm almost everything mentioned here. However, traveling New England has an advantage of never really encountering a toll road when you plan to avoid it (Google maps “avoid tolls” filter). I was able to go to MSG and back to Boston with no tolls. As for aggressive drivers, I never had an issue. You just gotta always be moving, sitting too long on a green will make them assume you don’t know what you’re doing and they’ll pass you. The to turn left is to turn right is also nicknamed the “Michigan left” I always got lucky with the parking on my end, it’s great. My tip to add to the list is to try and drive a tiny vehicle in the city. A Corolla or Yaris will do wonders in the city. No wonder they’re popular in Europe.

My parents took my sister and I to NYC in 2015, and we stayed at an Airbnb on the Upper East Side. We came in through the GW bridge from New Jersey and strangely enough I think it was my mom at the wheel the whole time (she absolutely despises driving in big cities, even Toronto is too much for her), and even more strangely (in my mind after watching this video), there actually were open parking spaces on the streets

@edwink1467

11 ай бұрын

It’s a trap. If you see a bunch of open parking spaces, it’s a sign you can’t park there. If it’s too good to be true, it’s probably not.

@gdkid

5 ай бұрын

I went back to NY recently and brought this up to my mom, turns out she got fined like >$100 for where she thought was okay to park lol

This is very accurate. As an NJ resident, I've driven into NYC a few times in my life for specific purposes, but because it's such a hassle I almost always take the train into NYC and use the subways or walk to get around. It's just easier. Another option you can explore, especially if you're from out of the area and looking to 'see the sights', is driving to Staten Island and taking the Ferry to Manhattan. It's FREE, it's convenient, and of all of the boroughs, Staten Island probably has the easiest parking. Plus, many visitors don't even realize Staten Island IS New York City, so you get to see a bit of the 'forgotten borough' that has a surprising number of parks and nature preserves.

@doh-nc8ku

10 ай бұрын

Never drove across Staten Island but is the city wide speed limit enforced there strictly

@gardenstatePR

5 ай бұрын

Staten Island is pretty cool

The BQE is a blessing for people who drive for work (well I can speak for myself due to my line of work), You're on the clock and stuck in traffic which is out of your hands.

Yep to all observations! I have some fine funny memories of learning the not-so-gentle art of aggressively defensive NYC driving. The only change I would suggest would be to escalate your brief mention of watching out for pedestrians to a whole rule on its own - NYC folks are some of the boldest jaywalkers I've ever experienced, outdone only by Bostonians. Which prompts me to recommend you do a similar video on driving around Boston. I went to college there and I swear all the stories about crazy Boston drivers are true - and don't even get me started about Boston's insanely laid out streets and highways!

@Demopans5990

10 ай бұрын

In fairness to NYC residents, the cars are staying still most of the time anyways

You were busy watching the SUV in front of you at 6:21 and ran a redlight. The best advice I received for driving in NYC is don't make eye contact with a driver wanting to enter from a side street. If they see you looking they will pull in front of you.

@jasonreed7522

Жыл бұрын

He was already in the intersection on yellow, but considering the timing he definitely should have stopped. (Yellow means stop if you are able)

@blanco7726

Жыл бұрын

The red light wasnt for the pedestrian crossing though, but for the intersection. Intersection he’d already entered. Stopping in the middle just clogs traffic and only 3 cars would be able to make a left turn behind him if he stopped.

Honestly i'm an european taxi driver I live in paris and I must say that all the things ive seen in your video applies to literally all big cities in europe with a downtown area, its just funny to see the perspective of an american of what we call all the things you listed as "normal" here in europe. At least I know I'll be comfortable and relaxed should I ever drive in nyc :P

Absolutely nailed it. If I may humbly add "Don't Block The Box" especially downtown.

Instead of topping up your EZ-Pass beforehand, you can also configure it to automatically to top up when it gets below a specific amount. Mine was actually configured that way from the start, and the threshold amount is automatically re-calculated every month based on your usage. Also, since I live in New Jersey, when I drive into the City, I take the Lincoln Tunnel, park at Port Authority Bus Terminal, and use the Subway and busses to get around.

Rule #1 - Don't. Rules 2 through 10 are a breeze after that.

@JimAllen-Persona

Жыл бұрын

Driving in Manhattan isn’t that bad. What’s annoying is the assholes on bikes and delivery vehicles that cut you off constantly.

As a born and breed NYer. TRUCKERS. Stay OFF Parkways. It’s more than a Ticket. You’ll get your Trailer destroyed like a sardine can. All the parkways have low bridges. Every week I see a truck ripped open by a bridge on the Northbound Henry Hudson PKWY. Or the Cross island parkway.

I always told people to have a fast foot on the accelerator and fast foot on the break. For the most part, 'streets' in Manhatten alternate on oneway direction. I laughed that you cited the BQE. I did that once and couldn't believe all the merging that was there. Never thought to do it again. I enjoy your videos.

@JadeDragon407

Жыл бұрын

Might be in trouble, I drive a standard *LOL*

You drove it all in NYC. You did the impossible and escaped NYC with little to no problems. Congrats! BTW Mike, the Citywide Speed Limit on the highways is 50. Not 55. And if you think NYC is bad? Try checking out L.A.! L.A. has the worst traffic in the U.S. (especially on the freeways) at any given day, and L.A. is like half of NYC in terms of population.

@MileageMike485

Жыл бұрын

Yeah I realized the error on the speed limit after recording the audio. Didn’t feel like going back to fix it 😂

@kingpeachcolt

Жыл бұрын

@@MileageMike485 good thing it doesn’t matter since it’s impossible to do either speed at almost all times of the day 😂

@JimAllen-Persona

Жыл бұрын

I think LA has worse traffic but more courteous drivers… at least that was my experience. No one is going to make that right turn from the left hand lane and cut you off.

@eliasthienpont6330

Жыл бұрын

It was back in the 60s. I was in the Navy, and I took the train from San Diego to Los Angeles. I got off the train and asked the cab driver "Where's the City?" At least when you get off a train in New York, you KNOW where the city is.

Good job Mike. You’ve learned a great deal in a short period. Driving in midtown requires continuous awareness, and a high level of aggression, just to keep up.

@MileageMike485

Жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

Great video! This gave me flashbacks when I had a car in NYC. Terrible idea. I would also add the street cleaning schedule. As per nyc law you are not allowed to have a vehicle parked on the streets for more than 7 days so the city conducts street cleaning on one side of the street at least once a week to clean the streets as well as to have people move their cars out of the way. Where I live (Washington heights) this is enforced but what most drivers do is that they would double park on the other side of the street and as soon as the cleaning time passes they would park the vehicles again on the cleaned side.

@Batmarc6

Жыл бұрын

Agreed. Yes, as far as critiques of the video, I would definitely take some time to have visitors focus on the street signs up and down the entire block, or certainly the area where they’ve parked, to be absolutely certain that although the parking spot is vacant, that it’s also legal to park there at all (which often times is the reason the spot is vacant in the first place)

@JakeSDN

Жыл бұрын

Not every neighborhood has street cleaning.

@eliasthienpont6330

Жыл бұрын

@@Batmarc6 And we need some information on how the new parking meters work. You need to have a credit card to use the meter, and one meter is for a dozen or so parking spaces. And you must buy your parking ticket from the correct meter, so check the signs carefully so you know which meter is yours.

@TheElectricGhost

Жыл бұрын

@@eliasthienpont6330The ParkNYC app is also a great alternative if you don't want to go to a machine. The app auto pings your location (if your location services is on) and brings up the meter zone that closest to where you're located. And as you said, you still gotta check the signs because it's easy to put the zone across the street instead of the one you're parked at.

@nautical1078

Жыл бұрын

Some zip codes don't have street sweepers like Old Mill Basin.

He forgot the navigator - having a person watching Google maps for congestion can save lots of time. Also do not forget 880 and 1010 on the AM radio - their traffic reports are usually every 10 minutes. That and having an alternate route planned can be another time saver.

I'm from Rochester, and I've been in the South since 1973... 3 years Richmond, then ATL until 11/79, then Houston until 8/89, then back to ATL until now. I bought some antique items in 2014 at various auction houses between ATL and Brooklyn. I got stuck on the BQE going back to I-95 at around 4PM on a Friday. Whoops. That was about as bad as the 405 in LA. The scariest driving experience I've had (besides HI 30 on Maui, because narrow/heights) was the Periferico in Mexico City. Not only was the 1998 traffic insane (the metro population was around 18 million), the signage is all in Spanish (NOT my native language), the elevation is around 7,800 ft. >gasp GASP!< Difficult drive. I'm moving back to western NY.

I've always wondered why NY can't get a bridge between Connecticut and Long Island (Oyster Bay Bridge). That would alleviate so much truck traffic. Forget the NIMBYs, someone can definitely make it happen.

@MileageMike485

Жыл бұрын

Those NIMBY’s on Long Island wield a lot of political power so all the politicians are afraid to build it.

@naptime0143

Жыл бұрын

Long Island always wants to conserve history 😂. Like nobody gives a fuck about oyster bay if you don't like your house value than just move out of state

@JimAllen-Persona

Жыл бұрын

@@MileageMike485 Amen. No one is making that happen.

@Batmarc6

Жыл бұрын

Ecological destruction is the excuse… Which is probably very factual.

@savagekingtexas_3990

Жыл бұрын

​@Mileage Mike Remove the NIMBYS, remove the problem, I think this is what many cities did when the interstate system was built

ive found parking usually depends on time of day. midday when people have commuted out ive never had too much issue finding parking almost anywhere. at night ive found business/mixed use areas to often have plenty of (free at night) curbside parking if you're choosing to drive to avoid poor late night mta service. my personal ranking on driving in nyc (excluding staten island :p) queens > manhattan > bronx > brooklyn queens once youre further than closer to manhattan becomes pretty comfortable to drive in being more LI-esque than any other part of town manhattan, if youre not trapped in congestion, is actually laid out very logically from a car perspective. the FDR & HRD are gorgeous drives, and if you catch the green light wave going north or south you can blast through most of the island pretty quickly. it's pretty nuts. this doesnt include harlem (intentionally extra congested bc of robert moses' racism) and parts of downtown that are older. the bronx has probably the worst road quality of all the boroughs, say goodbye to your suspension. the streets arent too confusingly laid out, but bruckner expressway deserves an award for being one of the worst designed roads ever created, both for cars and pedestrians. an absolute nightmare where if youre not in specifically one of four lanes all of a sudden youre blocked off from where you need to go by a divider & easily missable signs. even with a gps its extremely easy to get stuck on the wrong road for the next mile or so if youre not familiar with how the lanes change. also the cross bronx expressway of course. robert moses ensured the bronx would be his personal torture chamber for commuters and truckers alike. brooklyn is easily the worst. terrible road quality & nonsensical layout for cars. it feels chaotic & random, you can almost never be sure how the road after the next intersection will drive. this isnt even including how absurdly bad the double parking problem is here, navigating some neighborhoods becomes a real test of skill and frustration.

I def agree that if u can’t be assertive/aggressive on the pedal, they’ll eat you alive. (Their horn-game is no joke). They use them to communicate (quite well actually). Once u get into it, you’re good, but the growing pains hurt (feels like road-bullying at first). Then u realize they’re just trying to communicate w/u the best/quickest way they know how. Before u know it, you’re cussing and honking and stealing any space you can to expedite your trip, so as to have to cuss less (hopefully). Tbh I’m from San Diego and got to practice driving in Tijuana BC (so I’m kinda cheating). Sh-t is fun tho

@lol-zt7gp

Жыл бұрын

yes, as a nyc native with a car, we really do have our own language lol

Rule #5 is one that I learned the hard way during my first (and so far only) drive through NYC. And I never even exited the expressways! _And_ I consider myself a relatively aggressive driver! 😅

I love this video, i live in Brooklyn and work in the city (i drive to work every day) Its interesting hearing my daily struggles on a video, and yes I pay tolls every morning to avoid the BQE, but take it on the way home Everything you mentioned in this video is so true

@lrakwons9799

Жыл бұрын

Being from Long Island I’d say working in Brooklyn is working in the city lol

The Van Wyck Expy is I-678, not I-695.

I stayed in Newark for my year abroad, and EVERYONE (including friends in the city) adviced me against driving in NYC, specially Manhattan. Having lived on a chaotic major European city for a decade I can say that traffic is worse, but traffic flow and etiquette are very similar. I've seen waaaay worse places than the 5 boroughs. But then again, I'm used to keeping calm around aggressive drivers, so I can see how I could be the aggressive driver elsewhere, hahahaha

I want to add, you're right that there are no signs for outsiders on turning red. The only I've seen, is on Dyer Ave and 34 St exit of the Lincoln Tunnel. Also, people only abide to the 25mph because of the speed cameras. Really great video! You really explained NYC driving perfectly! Especially the frequent stopping.

Your video is accurate. We call the highways by name not number. It’s culture. The fdr, the belt parkway, west side highway, etc.

@gamerk316

Жыл бұрын

Same with bridges. And if you call the Triborough the RFK we are fully entitled to punch you in your face.

@albundy06

Жыл бұрын

The exception is 287. And i95 "Nobody"Calls it the Cross Westchester expressway. I'm sure 1 uncultured clown does but it's just 287. I95 is referred to the cross Bronx but that's really it. It's not called the New England Thruway or whatever governor thruway. It's i95 or just 95! Whether you're going to Conn or freaking Miami.. It's just 95! Not even i95. Just 95

As for the random stopping I live in Europe and the worst I’ve witnessed was Brussels. But I imagine the standard road width there is even tighter than NYC roads, so most times it’s not 2 wheels across the solid line, but rather a couple inches left each side when passing the stopped car. And people just stop, put on their blinkers and go order their food, I couldn’t believe it people drove like it was a little town where they can use the road as they please, no you’re sharing with 2 million of us😂

All these rules are very good. I’d say the most stressful part of it is the continual random stopping vehicles, just wherever they want; and then that people basically just do whatever they want. People will find any little space available and insert their car/truck/bike into that space.

When I got my license at age 27 in NJ my Dad had me drive all through the city to the airports, the Queens Midtown Tunnel and through Manhattan. He covered most if not all your rules that day. One thing I learned in recent years: If your planned routebecomes a traffic jam do not take your Google Maps or Waze offerings of an alternate route. I They offer the same alternates to other drivers who take them, which just turns them into a traffic jam. Stay on your original route and the jam may lessen or clear up in less time than predicted.

I drove a taxi in Manhattan as a part time job during undergrad at Fordham U. You had to be 19 to get a hack license. Back then, most of the yellow taxis were part of large fleets. I drove for Ike-Stan out of Long Island City. It was pretty miserable. Most cabs were not air conditioned back then. I still recall sitting in grid-locked traffic on Park Avenue, in July, without a fare. It really didn’t phase me, though. My father drove a tractor-trailer in Manhattan delivering heavy oil to hospitals and other large buildings. Driving a little Dodge cab was a piece of cake compared to what he did.

@robertm3951

Жыл бұрын

Good old FU

All I can add to the already helpful comments from my fellow New Yorkers is this: this is one of the best cities to drive in because everyone else is expecting you to do the dumbest thing possible. So it’s actually quite rare to see a fender bender or serious accident that wasn’t caused by speeding, red light running or someone with Jersey plates. 😊

@Demopans5990

3 ай бұрын

I'd say it's more the BMW drivers that you have to be careful around

As others have mentioned, it's important to be aware of the heavier non-motorized traffic in addition to pedestrians. But if you do find street parking, remember to check your driver's side mirror for approaching bicycles before opening your door. There are a lot of responsible bike commuters in addition to the seemingly lawless bike delivery riders who are all jockeying for the scraps of available roadway. Oftentimes with the tight margins remaining, swerving around a car door popping open is not an option. It seems like many drivers forget that if a (non ebike) bike stops it also looses its balance and all its momentum whereas in a car you're still just sitting there.

I drove the City of Chicago a while. I broke out in a cold sweat every time I approached the city in an auto, because I knew I'd be gripping the wheel and spinning my head in every direction. Only had one accident, a fender bender, but lots of near misses. The best way to go into that city by car is to park at the O'Hare garage and take the train into downtown. Chicago's a small town compared to New York, but still nerve-wracking to drive.

As a NYer of over 30 years, thank you for doing God's work by filming your drives through the streets of NYC. Also, did you get to experience Snake Way aka the Jackie Robinson?

@JakeSDN

Жыл бұрын

For someone like me who loves to drive, I love the Jackie Robinson Parkway and even more the Bronx River Parkway.

@blanco7726

Жыл бұрын

@@JakeSDNI’d love more freeway around Paris, but they just build star-shaped into the city center and straight line into the countryside. Only one freeway for cruising it’s the inside ring which is very cool when not overcrowded. (So at night basically) There’s A86 which is the correctest urban freeway I guess but it’s partly tolled and obviously also overcrowded

Rule 0: Don't. Take public transit

I just recently went to NYC (for the first time) for a tour of Manhattan, and the driver mentioned that the signs were merely suggestions...lol

Here is my best tip for driving in New York City: Park at a train station in NJ, CT, or Westchester County, take the train into New York (MTA and NJ Transit both run frequently, including nights and weekends), then subway around New York

I used to drive down to Manhattan from Upstate and Connecticut every weekends in my early 20s, and now I am living in cities in Asia that are even more crowded than NYC. What I wanna say is, despite the chaos you described, NYC drivers are much more sensible and have many hidden rules that made driving a much more smoother experience. Such as, as long as you turned on a blinker and have a room to change lane, the other drivers will almost take their foot off their gas pedal and let you through. Also, when someone in the right lane is swirling to the left cuz someone double park there... Drivers in the middle lane will also swirl into the left lane together with you

@jasonreed7522

Жыл бұрын

Some of that is just defensive driving, if someone swerves into you the most logical action is to also try and evade. And fun fact, its litterally NY law that if someone signals intent to enter your lane you must yield to them if you are the car in the position to do so, and the same law also requires yielding to someone taking maneuvers to avoid an obstacle in their lane. (Its truly amazing what such a simple law can do to improve your experience on the highway, even if its barely enforced its atleast taught to new drivers so a higher percentage of people actually yield when appropriate.)

@elaineraad3609

Жыл бұрын

@@jasonreed7522 My experience in Florida is that if you signal to change lanes then the driver in the lane you want to merge into is speeding up so you can't get in front of him. RUDE RUDE RUDE Florida drivers

@chrisfisher6700

Жыл бұрын

@@jasonreed7522 Similar rule in Hong Kong (not sure it is written or informal - but everyone does it). The ramps in Hong Kong are usually no more than 1-3 car lengths and are very closely spaced so there would be complete logjam if HKers applied the "try to prevent them from getting in" rules applicable in most of the rest of the USA. After 20 years of driving there it never ceases to amaze me what a massive improvement this simple courtesy makes - even with the complex 3-dimensional road system of HK.

@flighted2513

11 ай бұрын

@@elaineraad3609 yeah because they're macho people that are insecure driving big lifted pickup trucks. How dare you try to get in front of them

We have a plethora of public transportation here in NYC and they are trying to make it walk friendly. I have a car, but I only drive it when I'm going out of the city. Other than that it stays garaged.

Mileage Mike.. I am a native, " New Yorker " & you taught me things about my, " City " that I didn't know... Thanks for the info!

As an expat New Yorker, excellent video. a must for anyone. If visiting NYC find a hotel with free parking (they do exist) and take public transit.

Worked as an OTR (over the road) driver for 47 yrs, spend the first 18 yrs going in and out of NYC at least twice a week. One learns to accept the way things are there you get along, you manage. Or maybe I was just lucky. I would try to get into the city right around six in the morning (the city that never sleeps? Not true!) Zip all around the place, Brooklyn,the Bronx, Manhatten, Long Island, etc. The place is really NOT all that big. There is just an awful lot of people concentrated there. If you get stuck in there, let's say on a friday four or five in the afternoon. It WILL take you hours to get out and then another 2-3 hrs to get thru New Jersey into Pennsylvania if you're going that way (like I mostly did) Do I miss it any? Yes, somewhat. I got to like NYC. Lots of good people there. Unlike Los Angelos. An area I got to hate, but that's another story.

@eagle25311

Жыл бұрын

I'm an otr driver but I refuse to go anywhere near the northeast. I mostly drive i40 coast to coast. Cali to North Carolina and back

No turn on red is 'perimeter posted' meaning you cant enter the city limits without seeing that sign and by law does not have to be posted at the intersections...NYC freeways have three letter abbreviations. LIE, BQE, CIP, NET, but not all...NYC speed limit on controlled access highways is 50, not 55.... another note, all Long Island 'Parkways' end at a park (Northern Pkwy was not completed

@elaineraad3609

Жыл бұрын

What does NET stand for? I forgot

As a native NYer it’s always interesting to hear an outside perspective. I like most NYers learned to drive late, the train (we don’t call it the subway) is how most get around. The right no turn is a given for us so we never thought it could be made to begin with so maybe that’s why no signs. Oddly enough when I stated driving to other states I kept getting. Honked at red light right turns because it’s not expected to be able to turn. We also don’t use miles to describe distance we usually give directions in terms of time, like 10 mins to the bridge.

For a non-New Yorker and first time driver, your analysis was excellent! Someone else commented about the short yellow lights, so that might be number 11 on your list. Always remember when driving in NYC, the best defense is a good offense!

rule #1 is to turn on "avoid tolls" in Waze, Apple Maps and Google Maps. other than going to NJ you can almost always avoid tolls by spending a couple extra minutes to get somewhere. NYC residents are well aware of this...

@JimAllen-Persona

Жыл бұрын

Yeah but how much are you willing to divert for what you save. It can be a “couple of minutes”. Let’s put it this yesterday.. I was on 50th street yesterday and decided to take the 59th street bridge instead of going back down to the midtown tunnel. It took longer to get to the bridge than it would’ve to the tunnel.

@Jabid21

Жыл бұрын

It depends. No practical way to avoid tolls if you’re crossing the Hudson from the west and driving between Staten Island and Brooklyn. Also going between Bronx and Queens; and between Rockaway and Queens/Brooklyn; the extra drive isn’t worthwhile most of the time.

@billybethel

Жыл бұрын

@@Jabid21 I said other than New Jersey and you can get to Manhattan's FDR and take the 59th street bridge toll free from the Bronx. I've done it a million times

@billybethel

Жыл бұрын

@@Jabid21 and I never go to Staten Island and neither do any of my friends. Who needs to go there for anything?

@billybethel

Жыл бұрын

@@Jabid21 and there is nothing at all practical about driving in NYC...

Great video very spot on but one major thing missed are the cameras. Speed traps, red light and bus lane cameras. The speed limit is 25 miles per hour. If you pass a camera going 36 or more. It’s an 50 ticket. Drive in a bus lane $150 ticket. I live in NYC, I always expect to get a ticket in the mail for simply driving 36 Mph. I call it the NYC tax.

@maxheadroom1207

Жыл бұрын

I just got a ticket and it said I was going 36. Do they just use that as the number always or was I going exactly 36?

I can relate to slow driving, narrow roads, and people who recklessly disobey road rules. I recently went to New Orleans for the first time in 14 years, the last time I went was probably when I was around 5. But instead of going to New Orleans during a normal part of the year, I went during Mardi Gras. I like to obey most road laws and drive safely. However, in New Orleans I quickly found that isn't the respected status quo. I got off of I-10 and into downtown near a hospital. Immediately upon exiting the exit ramp, I noticed an ambulance leaving a bay of a hospital and then turning on its lights. I looked for a place to pull over as they turned on their sirens. I signaled my intent to pull over and then put on my hazards. A random guy in a random van immediately stopped as the ambulance was approaching and began honking. The dude started honking at me. I rolled down my window and yelled "Bro, move out of the way, there's a fucking ambulance with its lights and sirens on!". I then proceeded to drive toward Audubon Park. The streets were narrow and cars were street parked on both sides. On occasion, I would have to pull over to let oncoming cars pass. How ever on at least 2 occasions while giving room for one car to pass, some idiot would fail to understand the rules of right of way and would try and cut through both of us. Each time I nearly clipped into them after signaling my attempt to remerge back onto the street.

Bravo! Great points, & writing for your narration. Thank you for the views of the City.

You forgot to mention Opposite Side Parking, but other then that you hit the major ones. Depending on what your plans are, if you are visiting NYC it's probably better to use the Subway system; might even be cheaper after parking fees are factored in.

@buckykattnj

Жыл бұрын

It's called Alternative Side Parking. Believe it or not, they have actually made ASP easier on parkers in the last 5 years or so... used to be that everyone was expected to move twice a week... now a lot of areas are just once a week. Of course, you just go out there and sit in your car for 90 minutes... and sometimes... maybe every few months, you will actually see a streetsweeper. He should have warned people about reading the parking signs, which can be horribly complex to decode when there are 8 or 12 rules posted on the sign... and a missing/incorrect sign can still get you towed... first hand knowledge.

I think traffic in Manhattan really isn’t that bad unless you are trying to leave. Although transit in the NYC metro area is pretty decent, many suburbs are disconnected and therefore those drivers put so much strain on the river crossings. The manhattan bridge can move 20,000 people per hour by train, but only 2,000 people per hour by personal vehicle, so improving transit connectivity can definitely help reduce traffic in the area in general.

@punchkicker3837

Жыл бұрын

Actually many of the suburbs are connected to NYC idiot unless you live way out there.

@zofferz0

Жыл бұрын

Honestly tho traffic in the city itself really isnt that bad unless you go through certain areas. During peak rush hour same thing dont go to major roads or areas unless u have to. Getting out tho to nj…. Goes from 6 lanes to 2 lanes

@punchkicker3837

Жыл бұрын

@@zofferz0 Traffic is always bad you child rapist. Clearly your dad molested you because that's why you are nothing but a r-tard trying to encourage people to drive in NYC. Trash like you needs to be turned into a punching bag.

I'm 59 I live in North Jersey and drive alot in the city. This and the Jersey vid you did is spot on ! People should lusten to EVERYTHING you say. Great job.

Stopping in the middle of the road is called double parking in New York. There's no available on-street parking pretty much 24/7 in NYC so commercial trucks/vans, mail couriers, and Uber drivers usually double park while they load/unload. It's actually illegal but rarely enforced because people don't block the road for more than 10-15 minutes at a time, which isn't worth sending down a police officer and writing a ticket.

Thanks for taking the time to explore this topic. A broader point not emphasized is that much of the hassle is, and should be, by design. You were in those moments exactly the kind of driver the city rightfully wants to discourage: a single passenger in what is likely a pickup or SUV. The city is rich in mss transit, pedestrian and increasing micro-mobility options. Barring right turns on red saves lives at a rather steady rate and speeds over 20 miles per hour result in fatal impacts with significantly greater frequency for each additional 10 m/h. Exhaust and tire erosion are huge factors in childhood asthma and developmental delays. Overall, the City needs to eliminate nuisance driving so that the remaining vehicles are only those truly needed for disability access, commerce, infrastructure and emergency services.

@m--a

Жыл бұрын

Great take. Big cities like new york were never designed to have cars.

4:42 Born,Raised and one who learned to drive on the streets of Delhi, India that actually was not bad 😂 Also NYC driver seems saint as compared to here but we do have one luxury here is that most of our main roads are now signal free.

@MileageMike485

Жыл бұрын

Lol yeah I’ve seen a few driving videos in India and it looks pretty wild.

@MayankSharma01

Жыл бұрын

@@MileageMike485 some of points are true here too , like lane blocking or stopping, speed limits: fastest is 70kmph (40 something mph) on expressway, people blocking left turn even though it’s free (we drive on other side of road), parking problems,unnecessary traffic jams but biggest issue is Not driving in lanes. It is said that if you can drive here without a scratch in first few days you can drive anywhere in the country. 😅

@punchkicker3837

Жыл бұрын

@@MayankSharma01 NYC is still not meant for driving.

Spot on!!! The Hudson River Bridge toll is a 1.75 now on bridges north of the Tappan Zee, going east bound, until Albany.

Nailed it. I've had people from out of town try to follow me in Manhattan, and after 5 blocks they were 2 blocks behind. It's a different sort of driving.