Does driving in a new place give you anxiety? Many Americans find themselves nervous behind the wheel when traveling, especially if they are driving a rental car that they are unfamiliar with. At Empire Rent A Car, we understand that travelers might not be totally comfortable behind that wheel, and that is why we’ve put together three tips to stay calm on the road.
One of the top reasons drivers get stressed behind the wheel is missing a turn or roundabout exit. Even if you are paying close attention to the GPS, sometimes a turn can sneak up on you and you aren't able to move over in time. The best thing to do in this situation is stay calm and either let your GPS reroute you or find a safe place to turn around. Losing your cool in this situation could cause you to make unsafe turns or merge into lanes without checking your mirrors first.
The next reason for anxiety on the road is other drivers. Unfortunately, road rage happens and can be pretty unnerving, especially if you are already feeling anxious. Just remember that it is very unlikely that they will do anything to you and you will never see them again, so it doesn't matter what they think. Take your time and make safe choices, even if someone honks their horn or gives you a dirty look. You wouldn't want to risk an accident just to make the guy behind you happy.
Finally, if possible, have a friend with you when driving a new car in a new place. Having someone you trust in the passenger seat can greatly reduce your anxiety and can help make the road trip go more smoothly. Put them in charge of the GPS so they can give you plenty of warning for upcoming turns. Also, they can help you check for oncoming traffic and handle anything else that needs to be done in the car so you can keep your hands on the wheel at all times.
Drive with confidence in your rental car from Empire Rent A Car. We’ve been making renting easy in New York since 1970, and look forward to making it easy for you, too. Contact us today at (718) 353-6848 to make a reservation.
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