Control Your GPS, Don’t Let It Control You

When you get in your car to head to a destination you’ve never been to, do you know where you’re going? You might have the address and it’s possible you’ve already punched it into a GPS to get directions, but do you really know where you’re going, or more specifically, how to get there? Or do you think you’re familiar enough with the area that you’ll be able to figure it out once you’re close?

Anyone that has used a GPS knows that there are times when it can be confusing or just wrong as it pertains to giving directions. If your destination is in an area that you have some familiarity with but you’ve never been to the specific location, you may think that once you recognize some surroundings that you’ll be fine. Most of the time if you rely on your GPS, you’ll end up where you need to be, even after it you take few wrong turns first but don’t let it dictate every move you make.

As you drive around the area trying to orient yourself and locate your destination, you become very distracted from your driving, which is dangerous. Before you get in the car to go somewhere for the first time, take a few moments to look at a map, understand the route you’re taking and then identify some landmarks that will help you know you’re in the right place. Your GPS or other navigational aids should serve as guidelines during travel and not as the end all, be all when you’re trying to get somewhere.