10 Tips on How to Navigate Chicago’s Traffic
Chicago is a popular destination for tourists and work-related activities. Because of its many company headquarters, the city is booming. Whether you’re headed here for fun or business, you’ve likely heard warnings about driving in the congested traffic, and you want to prepare as much as possible for what you should expect.
The truth is, the easiest part of your trip to the Windy City might be getting your car rental in Chicago airport area. From there, it’s wise to plan your itinerary around your comfort level with driving in busy and unfamiliar cities. Here, we’ll share 10 tips on how to navigate the infamous Chicago traffic.
Moving Forward: You Can Do This!
Anytime you’re traveling to a new area, there’s a level of stress mixed in with excitement. A trip to Chicago offers you plenty of ways to fill your schedule while you’re there, yet many of these activities require driving. Once you master the traffic patterns and schedule, getting to your destination without unnecessary worry becomes easier. These tips will help you become a confident Chicago driver quickly.
1. Use Traffic Apps For Updates
Chances are, you already planned to use your preferred navigation app to get around the city. However, real-time traffic apps like Waze can minimize your time in traffic jams by navigating you around popular hot spots, accidents, and construction.
2. Know When To Stay Off the Road
We understand that you can’t always control when you have to drive, especially if there are meetings and other scheduled events. When possible, consider avoiding busy highways and expressways, like I-90/94 (Dan Ryan), I-290 (Eisenhower), and I-90 (Kennedy), during peak weekday hours, which range from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. With people rushing to work and school, these areas are prime routes for accidents, congestion, and other delays.
3. Know When To Drive
On the other hand, some times are more conducive to a relaxing and steady drive. Off-peak hours range from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays. and early mornings on Saturday and Sunday if you’re away from tourist attractions. Church time on Sundays is always busy, no matter where you are, so plan your Sunday travels for early morning or later in the afternoon (after lunchtime).
4. Check the Weather First
Planning any trip in Chicago requires checking the weather the night before, a couple of hours before you plan to leave, and then an hour before your “final” leaving time. This is particularly true in winter when storms can crop up unexpectedly and bring snow and ice that substantially hinder driving safety. Summer storms are common, too, but more likely, you’ll find construction and repairs limiting your timely arrival.
5. Don’t Rely On the GPS
Your navigation device is a wonderful marvel of technology, but in Chicago, you should never rely on it without planning your route first. Look at its options, then open the map to check for traffic jams, construction, and road closures. Another route may take “longer,” according to your GPS, but may be much faster.
6. Give Right of Way
It’s almost like human nature to want to make someone who’s been riding your tail wait to change lanes, but, in Chicago, this can be deadly. Lanes end unexpectedly, exits crop up without much notice, and if someone needs to get over, don’t let your emotions cause an accident. Give them the right of way, especially if they’re a motorcycle or large truck.
7. Plan Your Parking Ahead
Going to a new destination? Check the parking options around the area and know where you plan on storing your car before you leave. Parking apps let you reserve spots in advance to prevent the garage from being full and cut off unnecessary time spent searching for a place to park.
8. Walk or Use Public Transportation When Possible
If your destination isn’t too far away, it may be easier to walk or use the rideshare and public transportation options. These alternative rides cost money, but could save you on gas and parking fees, and will help you avoid the dangers of Chicago traffic.
9. Pay Attention To Warning Signs
When it comes to parking enforcement, Chicago is ready to hand out tickets for violations quickly. Watch the warning signs wherever you park, and be sure to follow the parking rules. Many pay-by-plate apps offer text warnings when your time is almost up. Don’t risk a fine if you’re running a few minutes late; simply pay the extra cost on your phone.
10. Don’t Rush
Most importantly, never leave at the last minute and expect to get to your destination on time. This leads to rushing and stress. You may be distracted or hurrying, and this decreases your ability to drive safely. Since Chicago is full of pedestrians and cyclists, your full attention should be on the road. Give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going, and if you run into delays, try not to let the setback keep you from driving carefully.
