| Driving in a city you've never (or rarely) been to can | | | | waiting to make a left once the light changes. |
| be a challenge. And since Los Angeles is more spread | | | | Though it is not a recommended practice, visitors |
| out than most cities, you'll likely spend quite a bit of | | | | should always be aware that other drivers will make |
| time in a car while you're out sightseeing. Here are | | | | use of this technique. When going straight, it's worth |
| some tips for taking to the road in L.A. and making | | | | waiting a few seconds after the light turns green |
| sure that you don't end up with a ticket, or even | | | | before proceeding to make sure that no one is going |
| worse, in an accident. | | | | to turn left in front of you. |
| Always get good directions before getting in the car | | | | Most major intersections in Los Angeles have |
| As everyone knows, traffic in Los Angeles is more | | | | cameras installed to catch drivers who run red lights. |
| common than palm trees. No matter what time | | | | If your car enters the intersection after the light has |
| you're on the road, you can run into congestion, so | | | | turned red, the camera will take a photo of your |
| it's a good idea to know exactly where you're going | | | | car's license plate and front window (including what's |
| before starting your trip. If you miss a turn or get | | | | often an unflattering photo of you, the driver). If |
| lost, getting back on track might take longer than | | | | your car is already in the intersection when the light |
| you'd expect simply because of the number of cars | | | | turns red, you'll typically be safe from a camara flash, |
| on the road. Additionally, making a u-turn is illegal at | | | | but tickets are expensive and accidents aren't fun, so |
| many intersections. That's why it's so important to | | | | don't take any chances when it comes to red lights. |
| have good directions before getting in the car. | | | | Intersections without stop lights are a frequent |
| When asking for directions from someone, make | | | | source of traffic buildup during rush hour, so many |
| sure to find out the cross street of where you're | | | | streets prohibit left turns during certain hours. Always |
| going and what landmarks you will see along the way. | | | | look for signs before making a left turn -- if there's |
| If possible, use an online map service like Yahoo! | | | | no sign, there are no restrictions. |
| Maps or Google Maps to determine the best route. | | | | Put down your cell phone |
| And if you'll be in Los Angeles for more than just a | | | | A recently enacted law in California forbids drivers |
| few days, you might want to buy a Thomas Guide, | | | | from talking on a handset while driving. If you |
| which is a detailed street-level atlas of every part of | | | | anticipate making or receiving phone calls while on the |
| the L.A. area. | | | | road, make sure you have a hands-free device to |
| Pay extra attention at intersections | | | | avoid getting a ticket. The new law also forbids |
| At some point in Los Angeles driving history, it | | | | teenagers under 18 from talking on a mobile phone |
| became universally understood that more than one | | | | while driving entirely, regardless of whether they |
| car should turn left after the light has changed to red. | | | | have a hands-free device, so if your son or daughter |
| Though this is not legal and is often dangerous, you'll | | | | will be driving the rental car, make sure someone |
| often see multiple cars pulled into the intersection | | | | over 18 does the phone talking. |