So, you’ve just gotten your license and you’re ready to hit the streets of Omaha?
Congrats!
Driving in the Big O can be a blast, but it comes with its own set of quirks.
Whether you’re navigating downtown traffic or cruising through the suburbs, here are 11 tips to help you own the road like a pro.
In This Post
- 1. Winter Driving: Omaha’s Extreme Sport
- 2. Master the Art of Parallel Parking
- 3. Pothole Season: Omaha’s Fifth Season
- 4. Pedestrian Paradise: Old Market and Midtown
- 5. I-80 Oops: Missed Your Exit?
- 6. Omaha Weather: Expect the Unexpected
- 7. The Zipper Merge: Omaha’s Traffic Dance
- 8. College World Series: Omaha’s Traffic World Series
- 9. Share the Road with Cyclists
- 10. Downtown Parking: Read the Fine Print
- 11. Dodge Street: 39 Blocks of Fun
- Conclusion

1. Winter Driving: Omaha’s Extreme Sport
Omaha winters can turn roads into ice rinks faster than you can say “snow day.”
When the white stuff starts falling, slow down and leave extra space between you and other cars.
And for the love of Warren Buffett, don’t slam on your brakes on icy roads unless you want to do an unintentional 360.
2. Master the Art of Parallel Parking
Downtown Omaha isn’t exactly known for its abundance of parking lots. Sooner or later, you’ll need to squeeze into a tight spot on the street.
Practice your parallel parking skills in a quiet area before attempting it during rush hour on Howard Street. Your bumpers (and fellow drivers) will appreciate it.
3. Pothole Season: Omaha’s Fifth Season

After the snow melts, Omaha roads tend to look like the surface of the moon. Keep an eye out for potholes, especially in spring. Your suspension (and your coffee cup) will thank you.
Pro tip: If you can’t avoid a pothole, slow down and don’t brake while driving over it.
4. Pedestrian Paradise: Old Market and Midtown
Areas like the Old Market and Midtown are great for a stroll, which means lots of pedestrians. Stay alert and be ready to stop for people crossing the street.
Remember, in Omaha, pedestrians always have the right of way at crosswalks.
5. I-80 Oops: Missed Your Exit?
Don’t panic if you miss your exit on I-80. It happens to the best of us. Just take the next one and let your GPS recalculate.
It’s way safer than trying to cut across three lanes of traffic at the last second.
6. Omaha Weather: Expect the Unexpected
Omaha weather can change faster than a teenager’s mood. Keep an umbrella, ice scraper, and maybe even a light jacket in your car.
You might need all three in the same day!
7. The Zipper Merge: Omaha’s Traffic Dance

Construction is practically Omaha’s unofficial season.
When you see a lane ending, use the zipper merge. That means using both lanes until the merge point, then taking turns merging.
It might feel weird at first, but it actually helps traffic flow better.
8. College World Series: Omaha’s Traffic World Series
During the College World Series, downtown Omaha turns into a whole different ballgame. Traffic gets crazy, parking becomes a treasure hunt, and pedestrians are everywhere.
If you’re heading downtown during the series, leave early and pack your patience.
9. Share the Road with Cyclists
Omaha has a growing cycling community, especially around places like the Keystone Trail and Elmwood Park.
Give cyclists plenty of space when passing, and always check your blind spots before turning or changing lanes.
10. Downtown Parking: Read the Fine Print
Parking downtown can be tricky. Some streets have odd restrictions or time limits.
Always read the signs before you leave your car, or you might come back to find a lovely yellow envelope on your windshield.
11. Dodge Street: 39 Blocks of Fun
Dodge Street is one of Omaha’s main arteries, but many new drivers may not know that it has a unique no-left-turn rule .
It also features a reversible lane from 30th street to 69th street to accommodate traffic flowing in and out of downtown with it’s direction changing depending on what time of day it is.
Conclusion
There you have it, new drivers! With these tips in your back pocket, you’re ready to take on Omaha’s roads.
Remember, driving is a skill that gets better with time and practice.
So get out there, stay safe, and enjoy the ride!