Kimosabe wrote:As you may know, planning and observation are keys to good driving. Perhaps you're not giving yourself enough time to assimilate all the info you need in order to know where to go and how you're going to get there in advance? It seems to me, from some of what you've said, that you are finding the Sat Nav somewhat distracting and that this is affecting your ability to drive.
Planning: May I suggest that you try this. Before setting out, look at the route you will plan to take, as well as the surrounding areas you'll be traveling through in case you are diverted or if the Sat Nav isn't bang upto date and gets it wrong. I would get hold of a paper A-Z map book to do this, as you might find it easier to get a better over-view of the route you have in mind. Then you can use your Sat Nav as a reminder or guide without needing to focus on it too much. Look on the A-Z map for landmarks, buildings, Filling stations, roundabouts and junctions etc, then you know what you will probably come across and tick them off as you pass them.(observation)
Once you have seen the area in an A-Z and have programmed your Sat Nav, you can then concentrate more on how to get there ie the driving part.
Maybe before setting out, shut your eyes and imagine the route as best you can as this might make your journey easier.
Hope this helps.
TerryTibbs wrote:I've noticed a pattern in something. Whenever I'm using my Sat Nav to guide me or road signs (i.e. I'm in unfamiliar areas) I tend not to drive so well. Really, this reinforces the notion that a lot of it is psychological - I become unconfident and a bit nervous and my concentration is affected as a result. I think I just have to tell myself, there's nothing more important than the road and what's in front of me. If I don't pay enough attention to the Sat Nav and end up going the wrong way - so what? I don't know where I am anyway, the Sat Nav will re-route me, no problem. But for some reason I become fixated on making sure I follow every instruction to a T and go which way it's telling me. I know how to handle a roundabout and the various types of junctions, I know how to read road markings and signs, so why the fuss?
Horse wrote:TerryTibbs wrote: Whenever I'm using my Sat Nav to guide me or road signs (i.e. I'm in unfamiliar areas) I tend not to drive so well.
I like maps - but (reluctantly) will accept the benefits of SN.
However, I found that the voice prompts went in one ear and promptly out the other. So now I parrot them back, out aloud. I try to match the instruction against what I can see, check for junction layout and signs etc.
However, as advised, get that map 'plan' in your head first, then only use the SN for very local, junction specific, advice.
Kimosabe wrote:One way of doing this, I call '7-11' breathing. So you breathe in for a count of 7 and out for a count of 11. Do this for two minutes or until you feel certain that you have quietened your thoughts....
revian wrote:Kimosabe wrote:One way of doing this, I call '7-11' breathing. So you breathe in for a count of 7 and out for a count of 11. Do this for two minutes or until you feel certain that you have quietened your thoughts....
A bit late but I think this is excellent advice from Kimosabe.Twice I've had something quite heavy on my mind work wise and twice managed to have a minor brush with an unmoveable object one was the edge of a Church bell tower....I dint see it move...
Find space and quieten distracting thoughts....
Ian
TheInsanity1234 wrote:I would say the allowing yourself time to clear distracting thoughts is helpful, as there have been days when I've had a bad day at 6th form, but I need to drive home, and I find sitting for a minute or so with my eyes closed etc helps to relax me and I produce a better drive than when I just go, and stay stressed during the drive home.
TripleS wrote:If I may say so I think there's some very helpful advice emerging here, and very nicely presented too.
ADUK may be small, but it's a good community with a nice atmosphere. Long may it continue thus.
trashbat wrote:What you've described is kind of like a whistlestop overview of OCD or irrational anxiety - not that I'm suggesting you have a serious problem that needs treatment!
You might think that it's not like that, because you understand that it's not a rational and logical thought, but so do many OCD sufferers. Knowing it's theoretically illogical isn't the problem. What usually helps is exposing the fear to real life sunlight.
If you were afraid of a dripping tap flooding your house, it might be suggested you go home and sit there with the plug in the sink, the tap dripping, and wait until it floods. Turns out it takes ages, and voila, fear diminished.
What can you do with the satnav problem? Get lost! Don't follow its instructions sometimes and see for yourself what's the worst that happens. Put it away completely and do the same. You know what the answer will be, you say it in your post - but actually give it a try.
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