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How bad is driving in Chicago?

I’m going to visit one of my friends at school in Chicago and I’m driving there. I’m really nervous because I’ve never driven in a big city before, and I don’t really know what to expect. Is it as scary as I’m imagining?

avatar
Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Try not to let your nerves about bad driving conditions affect your trip! However, it can be a little difficult to drive in
Chicago
, especially if you’re not used to big-city driving.
Out of the 100 most populated cities in the United States, Chicago was ranked eighth-worst, which does make driving through the city intimidating.
However, there are things that you can do to make the experience better for yourself, such as:
  • Keep your eyes peeled for bikers and pedestrians. Oftentimes, they don’t obey traffic laws, but you’ll still have to yield to them.
  • Try to avoid rush hour whenever possible.
  • Before you leave, look up big events or games near your destination and try to avoid them.
  • Read all of the street signs. Certain areas have rules that only apply during certain hours of the day, so it’s important to obey them.
  • Always obey school zone speed limits and no turn on red signs. Most school zones and traffic lights in Chicago are equipped with cameras, so you’ll get a ticket in the mail if you don’t comply.
  • Watch out for construction zones.
  • Always use your turn signal to indicate where you’re going.
To ease your mind a little, make sure you’re covered by a good insurance policy before you leave. The
Jerry
app can help you find the best rates on the coverage you need in a matter of minutes. Just download the app and you’ll be looking at more than 50 quotes from top insurance companies in a matter of minutes.
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