While the gorgeous views are there for you to marvel at, the road is pretty steep so driving can be unnerving. Monitor all fluid levels. HomeLifestyleAutomobiles5 safety tips for summer driving in Arizona. ", "Good article. ", "This is helping me, because I have special needs. Finally, if your car is a hybrid or other special vehicle, you still cant use the HOV lane without another person riding with you unless you have a special environmental plate or placard from Arizona MVD. Pricing does not include tax, title, license, and doc fee. 3-second following distance. To prevent . While the gorgeous views are there for you to marvel at, the road is pretty steep so driving can be unnerving. 2. Of course, there are exceptions. It can be pretty scary. Youll see beautiful landscapes along the way. A good rule of thumb is one car length per 10 miles per hour. He worked closely with dealerships at his previous job with the Charlotte Observer, who had a partnership with Cars.com. Here are 12 Things People Who Visit Arizona Will Always Find Fascinating, This 5.8-Mile Hike Leads to the Most Insane Crystal Blue Waters in All of Arizona, These 8 Charming Towns in Arizona Are Hidden Gems That Are Perfect for a Day Trip, Take a Trip to This Beautiful Blue Beach in Arizona to Escape the Scorching Summer Heat, Theres a Mountain on the Arizona-Utah Border Where You Can Find Sparkly Gems for Free, Go on an Epic Kayaking Tour Through an Emerald Cave in Arizona, This Arizona Park That Was Once a Vast Swamp With Roaming Dinosaurs Is Full of Rainbow Trees, A Prohibition-Style Cocktail Bar Is Hidden Beneath the Streets of Downtown Gilbert and Its Amazing, Take a Trip to these 5 Hidden Beaches in Arizona for an Unforgettable Summer. This slow-but-steady method will also create a solid buffer between you and the car in front of you. Note: The Arizona Department of Transportation concluded that 94% of all crashes on U.S. 93 are caused by driver behavior. Valley Chevy Memorial Day Food Truck Event, EV Trends Longer Range & Quicker Charging, 2024 Chevy Equinox EV Will Be Everyones First Affordable Electric Vehicle, 2023 Chevy Blazer: A Fresh New Look and Even More Technology. Keep your eyes scanning traffic and road conditions. Batteries over three years old should be inspected by an auto technician to determine its remaining life expectancy. This road connects Tucson to Phoenix, with its stretch leading to California. "It has helped me to avoid crashing into vehicles ahead of me or making sudden stops that cause vehicles behind to. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like You can avoid conflicts while driving in heavy urban traffic if you, How should you use the predict step of the IPDE Process while driving on city streets?, A long following distance has the advantage of and more. The Coronado Trail Scenic Byway is a stretch of the U.S. Route 191 just between Springerville and Clifton in Arizona. And while there are passing points, getting caught behind a semi can really test your patience and focus. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Note: This road is sometimes closed during the winter season due to snow. For tips on how to drive a manual vehicle through heavy traffic, scroll down! When you release the accelerator, the throttle in your engine closes, creating a partial vacuum that creates engine resistance and slows the speed of your vehicle. Assemble and keep a safety kit with essential supplies in your vehicle, in case an emergency leaves you stranded. From a zero-tolerance policy on driving while under the influence to city-specific ordinances on cell phone usage, it's important to understand the basic rules of the road in Arizona before you start driving there. Adjust your speed accordingly. However, in December 2016, the Arizona Department of Transportation began designating Safety Corridors, segments of both urban and rural highwayswhere serious traffic accidents seem more likely to occur. To drive safely in heavy traffic, always leave a 2-second distance between you and the driver in front of you in case they slam on their brakes. I tend to get anxious driving in heavy traffic. Interstate 17 connects Phoenix to Flagstaff, and in doing so you rise almost a mile in elevation heading north. Thanks a lot. "mainEntity": { 11 among best cities for electric cars, A step-by-step guide on how to lease a car, Tips to increase the trade-in value of your car. Identify vehicles that appear unsafe, such as those that are erratically merging across lanes, speeding dangerously, or drifting within a lane. Additionally, keep your eyes on the road at all times since people are more likely to abruptly stop and merge in heavy traffic. When your car is even with the sign stop counting. Lemmon and the Santa Catalina Range. Accelerate at a steady speed that is slightly below the flow of traffic. From knowing the right speed to drive along the winding roads overlooking the Grand Canyon to understanding the right of way on the congested streets of downtown Phoenix, it's important to brush up on your knowledge of Arizona's driving laws before you set out on the road. Approved. Traffic congestion is a concern for many drivers and the anxiety it produces can negatively impact your performance on the road. B Headlights often cause glare which can blind drivers. Road marks or Shadows make a good fixed checkpoint. "acceptedAnswer": { But some areas on the road can give you a white knuckle experience especially when you drive through the Salt River Canyon. However, it's important to note the definition of "resident" applies only to motor vehicle services. P.S. Expect driving through a mostly unpaved road starting from the east of the town of Tortilla Flat to Roosevelt Dam, as well as steep cliff drops along the way. Brave a series of switchbacks and hairpin turns in this 23-mile road that also offers spectacular scenery. The drops are a harrowing 1,000 feet or 304.9 m in some areas. Allow plenty of space between you and other vehicles/structures. Watch out for drivers who make quick stops. ". Can you navigate a road with an estimated 460 turns or curves? Going across the entirety of the state, and connecting Tucson to Phoenix, I-10 routinely rates as one of the most dangerous highways in America, with the stretch leading to California getting a special mention. Turning off your cell phone, or putting it on silent mode. Last Updated: January 19, 2023 There are three major issues that most tourists face when driving in downtown Phoenix: troubles understanding where theMETRO Light Railruns, problems navigating the exits along the 202 Loop, and navigating the "suicide lanes" on 7th Avenue. There's a big possibility you'd get stuck behind someone driving extra carefully or at about 15 miles per hour up the mountain. However, safety is simply dependent on smart driving. If you are driving north from Chandler to Phoenix, you will take I-10 West. The 27-mile Catalina Highway is the only asphalted road that provides access to Mt. Exit the freeway and take a break at a rest stop until youve calmed down or the roads are quieter. Many people use I-10 if they want to cool down and spend days lazing around on the beaches of California. Plus, Arizonas Stupid Motorist Law means you could be responsible for the cost of your rescue if you've ignored signs and posted warnings. Telling your passengers to quieten down until youre free of dense traffic. While you cant turn down the heat, you can check your battery to ensure it is securely attached to prevent vibration and clean any substances that may build up on the surrounding terminals and cable clamps. Taking the I-17 means you'll go close toSedona, and if you take keep going north after Flagstaff on the U.S. 89 you'll get to the Grand Canyon, so there's no shortage of scenery in the area. Back then, Interstate 10 always made the news because of the alarming number of fatalities per 100 miles of road. In which gear do I drive when I am on a hill? The median EMS wait time is clocked at 21 minutes. You may enter or leave the lane at any time; ignore the solid line. Extreme heat can cause essential fluids to evaporate faster and lead to overheating. Thats plenty. "@type": "Answer", % of people told us that this article helped them. Keep a safety kit in your vehicle. Note: You can always pull over the rest areas to take a break and take in the view. This is a modern drivers dream complete with challenging turns, sweeping curves, and beautiful views anywhere. Driving through might be a testament to your will to avoid taking in the views, as getting into and out of the canyon means braving a winding path along the walls, and you don't have the benefit of it being a divided highway like the SR 87. While the twists are pretty exciting, dont forget that youre not in a Fast and Furious film. Oh, wait. It is a rule of thumb everywhere else that you are not supposed to change lanes over a solid white lane, but the HOV lane in Arizona is an exception. The number you have stopped counting on represents how many seconds of distance is between you and the car in front of you. 1) pick a fixed checkpoint on the road ahead. With this said, remember to practice safe driving habits. Most car batteries do not last more than three Arizona summers. For tips on how to drive a manual vehicle through heavy traffic, scroll down! Dont get us wrong. There is one aspect to driving in Arizona that can be confusing relative to Interstate 10, an interstate highway that generally runs east to west across the country. Note:If you want a more relaxed experience, you can drive this road during the warmer weather. The challenge in Route 89A begins in Sedona at an elevation of 4,500 feet and climbs up to Flagstaff at 6,900 feet. However, in Central Arizona, between Phoenix and Tucson, theI-10 is a north to south-bound road, which means that you will see highway signs directing you to I-10 East or I-10 West, even though you are driving north or south. Simon has over 8 years of driving instruction experience. Now, lets talk about this scenic highway in the southwest. However, the City of Tempe has a law that prohibits anyone from smoking in a vehicle with a person under 18 years of age in the vehicle. The State Route 77 traverses much of the states length from north of Holbrook to its junction with Interstate 10 in Tucson. Mostly it will be 1st gear; if the traffic is smooth, 2nd. His mission is to ensure the safety of everyday drivers and continue to make New York a safer and efficient driving environment. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Coolant is your vehicles first line of defense against overheating. Our advice is to stay out of not only the suicide lane but also the left lane to avoid cars swerving into it from the suicide lane. But that doesn't make it any less dangerous. Whichever way you choose to travel, though, you should be aware of the laws governing the use of these roadways first. If you're worried you'll be distracted, you may want to turn off your phone and the radio so you can stay focused. Turn up the ringer on your cell phone. Note:Studies show that Interstate 10 is a safe highway and is designed to meet safety standards. This way you can coast forward in your chosen gear without having to shift down or come to a stop. The Catalina Highway also has other names. C Gasoline fire. Keep your eyes scanning traffic, the shoulder of the road, and potential places you might direct your car in the event that you have to make emergency manoeuvres. Just like we need to stay hydrated during the hot summer months, your vehicle needs to be hydrated with proper oil, transmission, power-steering, and brake fluids. It also helps to know that the peak receives about 200 inches of snow annually, so the road will only be tougher and get more slippery. By slowing your speed, there is a chance that the heavy traffic will break up before you reach it. You will need to navigate through some hairpin curves and narrow lanes. Johnny Martinez is general manager of Larry H. Miller Dodge Ram Peoria. Signal before making a turn or merging into a lane. Take your driving abilities to the test by taking on the terrifying drives in Arizona. Weather plays a role in safe driving no matter where you come from. If you are driving south from Phoenix to Tucson, you will take I-10 East. "@context": "https://schema.org", In fact, according to ADOT, the double solid white lines also mean nothing. You should, however, be ready to shift down if impatient drivers merge into this buffer space. By using our site, you agree to our. The driver should avoid all possible . Heavy traffic will require you to be extra aware of your surroundings and your full attention to be on driving conditions. Hot pavement and underinflated tires are a dangerous combination that can lead to premature wear and blowouts. Lower gears will also brake more quickly due to naturally occurring "engine braking.". Never drive while tired or emotionally agitated. To prevent overheating, have a coolant flush performed every 30,000 miles and replace belts and hoses every 36,000-50,000 miles, depending on the year and make of your vehicle. provides a safe distance from the vehicle ahead in the most normal driving situations. Always check your tire pressure before heading out on a road trip and watch for low tire pressure warnings on your vehicles dashboard. The fine is steep if you are stopped for driving in an HOV lane when you shouldnt. More time between you and the car in front will mean more reaction time in the event of sudden braking or some other emergency. The most frequent type of accident on an interstate highways is: Rear end collision. A little outside of Globe, on the U.S. 60, your path will lead you through the Salt River Canyon. This results in some impatient drivers speeding through the passing lanes to move at a more comfortable speed. }. ", "Keeping a cool head in awkward situations while driving was helpful. The Interstate eventually does travel west again outside Downtown Phoenix as it moves on to Western Arizona communities and California. Arizona is widely known for its majestic scenic drives that are too hard to ignore. We know. Groups traveling this road in Springtime will appreciate the desert and lake views, particularly the blooming wildflowers of Arizona. If you're driving in heavy traffic, don't keep switching lanes in an effort to speed up. Additionally, the lines on the highways as they relate to the HOV lanes can be confusing. This article was co-authored by Simon Miyerov. In heavy traffic conditions, the road will be crowded with cars, the flow of traffic irregular, and people will start getting impatient, leading to them trying to merge where they likely shouldn't. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. When it comes to seeing the natural beauty of Arizona, there's no better way to take in the scenery than driving across the state. Dont drive too fast or youll end up regretting taking one of the most terrifying drives in Arizona. D2, 2, or S (which stands for slow) locks your car into second gear, which can be useful if you are driving up or down a steep hill. 3. 4. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. So, if you are traveling 70 mph on the highway, it is safe to be seven car lengths back. Its also dipping from one curve to the next so your full concentration should be on the road when driving. "text": "Beeline Highway, Salt River Canyon, Interstate 10, Interstate 17" See dealer for details. Not-so-fondly referred to as suicide lanes, the intention is to use the center turning lane for southbound traffic during the morning commute and for northbound traffic during the evening commute. A Most people are less alert at night due to fatigue. Impatiently zooming ahead a short distance in heavy traffic only to stop again will cost you more money in fuel. Its elevation is 9,383 feet or 2,860 m above the sea level, making it one of the highest mountain roads of Arizona. You can find the highest point of the road 4 miles south of Hannagan Meadow, in Greenlee County. How to Find a Hidden GPS Tracker on a Car: Detection & Removal, How to Check If Your Car is Bugged: What to Watch Out For and What to Do, How to Fix the Car and Lock Light on Your Dashboard. Road rage is a real and naturally occurring phenomenon that can lead to highly dangerous situations. } We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Keep going north on SR 87, and you'll run into the Painted Desert. The speed of stop-and-go traffic will be greatly reduced, meaning that if you or another car do actually collide, the damage will likely be minimal and not physically serious. According to the consumer website Value Penguin, there were 70 recorded deadly crashes on the highway which resulted in 90 fatalities. While they say they wont stop you just for that, they may cite you under the "no smoking around kids" rule if you get stopped for some other reason. If you are cruising through any of these roads, were sure youll be distracted by the sheer beauty of the area. For some, its the Mount Lemmon Highway, General Hitchcock Highway, Arizona Forest Highway 39, or Sky Island Scenic Byway. While the state rarely has natural disasters like hurricanes or tornadoes, it does have a weather phenomenon known as the monsoon season, which typically arrives in the summer and occasionally brings heavy rain, heavy winds, and dust storms that make visibility impossible. Coolant is your vehicle's first line of defense against overheating. Its simply breathtaking. The Catalina Highway also has other names. Check your battery. Unless you're flying, the I-10 is going to be your best bet when heading to hit the ocean waves in California. This way you dont have to spend time, effort, and wear-and-tear on your gear shifting, and you won't have to ride your clutch while you wait for traffic to resume. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. If someone gets into a car accident and other people are trying to see what happened, it causes more congestion and can even lead to additional collisions. These fluids act as cooling agents by diverting heat away from your vehicles important internal parts. And if you remember what you were told about running from bees, you don't run in a straight path, you zig and you zag. Arizona State Route 87, also called the Beeline Highway, connects from down in Eloy, all the way to Payson in the high country. Someone who is not familiar with the streets of Downtown Phoenix can be easily confused, not only by the one-way streets and street restrictions but also by trying to avoid turning into the tracks. References There areother things to check out along the I-10 within the Arizona borders as well, like the ostrich farm at Picacho Peakor Red Rock State Park. However, safety is simply dependent on smart driving. Expect the road to be really narrow and winding. 2nd gear would be fine driving up a hill, and 1st gear is good for when you're going downhill. Lower than average coolant levels may point to a leak that should be addressed. Never mind the hike, just drivingto some of these premier spots means taking some of the most dangerous roads in Arizona. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 180,753 times. Most car batteries do not last more than three Arizona summers. Theres a big possibility youd get stuck behind someone driving extra carefully or at about 15 miles per hour up the mountain. This constant, slower speed will save you fuel and create less potential for accidents. 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