Rick Steves' Tour Guide Uses This Brilliant Strategy To Cross Europe's Busy Streets Safely

It's a busy weekday afternoon in a vibrant European city. The streets are packed with tourists, and you've just hit the town on a sightseeing mission. Exploring a city on foot is truly one of the best ways to take it all in — everything from the bustling atmosphere, the scent of delicious food filling the air, and yes, even the inevitable 5 p.m. rush hour gridlock. 

As you approach what seems to be the busiest intersection you've ever laid eyes on, and not a single stop sign in sight, you wonder if you'll ever get across unscathed. The classic showdown between pedestrians and traffic is in full swing, and your stress levels are elevated. The streets are buzzing with fearless Vespa riders and cyclists zipping by, car horns are blazing as they navigate the tightly packed streets, and you may have witnessed a few tourists having near misses with more than a few aggressive drivers.

Fear not! Travel expert Rick Steves is to the rescue! Or more precisely, one of his tour guides. In a blog, Cameron Hewitt has perfected the art of crossing a busy intersection in Europe with ease. He assures that this unique method is a surefire way to cross even the busiest intersection. And the secret to his success? It's more surprising than you might think. The answer is simple: Follow grandma. 

According to Rick Steves' tour guide Cameron Hewitt, there is a method to crossing a busy intersection in Europe that may sound silly, but it works. He mentions that crossing behind a local, specifically a senior citizen, will guarantee that the cars slam on their brakes and allow you to cross. Senior citizens are highly respected in many European cultures and will almost always result in the driver allowing them to cross successfully and safely. Of course, senior citizens aren't the only people who are more respected by drivers. Hewitt writes, "A group of adorable preschoolers or a no-nonsense, power-dressing local businessperson works like a charm, too."

The next time you find yourself at a busy intersection with no gap in traffic and spot one of these types of people coming your way, allow them to command the traffic to stop. Now is your golden opportunity: Stick close and match their pace, as you don't want to leave any space for cars to maneuver their way between you both. You'll be able to cross the busy intersection stress-free knowing that you were able to do so with the help of a seasoned pro.

Of course, there's a lightheartedness in this strategy. But the reality is that it works, whether you follow an elderly person, a group of schoolchildren, or even a woman pushing a stroller. Despite the humor, there is a level of seriousness. Crossing a busy street and intersection should be taken with the utmost care and most importantly, confidence. When you walk with confidence and make eye contact with the driver of the vehicles, you will be more likely to gain respect as a pedestrian and be seen. Always make sure to wait for the signal to cross using the designated crosswalks rather than jaywalking, which will more times than not, put you at greater risk of injury. 

Another common mistake that pedestrians make is walking while being distracted. Put away the phone and try not to use headphones so you will be fully aware of your surroundings — both sights and sounds — while crossing. Don't always assume that drivers will stop for you, and before crossing, always look both ways, especially on a two-way traffic road. Following these practices will ensure your travels stay safe and that you blend in like a local.