You already learned in your online driver’s ed class that you’re not supposed to use your phone when you’re driving down the highway and you’re not supposed to be looking at an atlas as you’re weaving down busy city streets. Unfortunately, a lot of people still do it.
When it comes to texting and driving, making calls, or even taking your eyes off the road for anything, it’s a bad idea.
But what if you’re going somewhere you’ve never been before and you’re going alone? Your online driver’s ed class may have glossed over what solutions you have when you need to navigate without someone in the navigator’s seat, but we’ve got some great tips to help you when you’re traveling solo in the car.
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1. Get A Portable GPS System
This is an obvious and easy solution that has become relatively affordable with the advent of smartphones, and it’s so convenient that a lot of newer devices come with it built-in. A GPS unit that is dedicated to car use only can stay in your compartment when you park the car and will give you clear and simple directions to get to your destination.
While many people use their smartphones for GPS, a portable GPS is more convenient. This is because it has built-in maps and you can even use it in remote areas as you won’t need cellular data to use it!
Many GPS units have regular updates to ensure you’re always taking the best route possible. Some can alert you when a police officer is nearby, and other devices can even refer to traffic to ensure you’re going to get there quickly.
Before you put the car into drive, just enter your destination and follow the instructions. Never try to enter information on your device while you’re in motion; in fact, many built-in car GPS systems won’t allow you to enter any information until the car has come to a complete stop. It might be a little frustrating to pull over and change your final destination information, but it won’t eat into your travel time too much.
Check out the top-rated GPS units here.
2. Use A GPS Mobile Navigation App
No, this isn’t for texting while driving! You might not want to put down the money for a GPS unit, though, since your smartphone already has a built-in GPS.
Modern cars usually have built-in GPS navigation features, but if your car doesn’t have one, using a GPS app on your smartphone is another option.
There are several navigation apps available and most of them are free. But they also offer monthly or yearly fees for premium features.
What’s great about navigation apps is they work in different types of transportation, such as cycling, bus, or walking. You will also see landmarks such as gas stations and restaurants.
Navigation apps also have a voice-over feature so you won’t get distracted while driving.
Most apps will update you about traffic, accidents, construction, road closures, or other important real-time information. Alternate routes will be provided for you to reach your destination faster.
The downside of using GPS navigation apps is your battery will drain faster and you will need cellular data or WiFi.
Check out the top GPS navigation apps for 2021.
3. Use A Good Old-Fashioned Map
Yes, really. Purchase an atlas or a map of your destinations or your city and familiarize yourself with it. Although this might seem like an antiquated way to get around, it’s beneficial in places where you might not get cell reception or for when technology seems to fail on you and your GPS unit or your phone isn’t working properly. People got around with maps for ages, and it’s still possible to do so.
The main issue with using maps is that nothing is dictating your next move foryou. If you forget what the directions are or where you need to turn, you’ll have to refer back to the map. This means pulling over to the side of the road and stopping completely to get oriented.
That said, while it might add a bit of time to your traveling, it won’t be a significant amount of time. Your life is valuable, so there’s no point in trying to drive and glance down at a map in your lap while trying to stay in your lane. It will add on maybe a minute of travel time—if it’s even that much—and it will mean you get to your destination in one piece.
Check out our top recommended atlas here.
4. Ask Someone
We don’t know why people dislike stopping in at a quickie mart and asking for directions. Sometimes, locals will have the best advice for you to get to where you want to be! They’ll be able to give you tips on getting around that a GPS device or a cell phone simply can’t give, like avoiding certain intersections around rush hour or taking a particular street to avoid construction.
The main downside to asking for directions is that it will take some time. Again, nothing is more valuable than your life, so if you have to choose between looking down at your phone for directions or asking a gas station attendant, go with the latter.
Also, people do make mistakes,for you and if you ask someone who isn’t 100% sure then you could end up with faulty directions. Generally, people will want to help and give you the correct route, but it’s not a foolproof plan.
Whatever is best for you, the most important thing to keep in mind is that while you’re driving you need to focus to prevent accidents. Knowing how to use your GPS device safely is important. Although portable GPS devices and smartphones are distracting while driving, you should program or set up the GPS device first before starting the trip.
If you’re going to use your smartphone, make sure the phone is at eye level by using a dash-mounted or windshield-mounted cell phone holder.
Find the solution that’s least distracting for you and use it when you’re navigating solo.