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Random Queries > How well do you follow driving directions?

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message 1: by Sarah (new)

Sarah | 13814 comments I'm usually pretty good about it, except there's always a direction toward the end that I second guess. "I guess by second left, it meant this driveway..." etc.

And EVERY SINGLE TIME I go to Northern Virginia I get lost, no matter how faithfully I follow directions. Especially on the way to Alexandria, where I have to go on Sunday.

I ask because Google is apparently now directing Maryland drivers down the new connector highway that isn't yet open.


message 2: by Stina (new)

Stina (stinalee) | 749 comments I am probably one of those people who gives too much information. My very favorite tidbit to pass out is what they'll see if they've gone too far.


message 3: by Sarah (new)

Sarah | 13814 comments I'd be stabbed too. I give lots of identifying marks, because street signs are often not in the right place around here, and there are lots of streets that are called one thing on one side of X intersection, and something else entirely on the other side of that intersection. St. Paul becomes Light St. Maryland becomes Cathedral. Etc.
So I use landmarks and if you see this you've gone too far as well.


message 4: by RandomAnthony (new)

RandomAnthony | 14536 comments I have navigation/GPS on my phone. I don't ask anyone for directions anymore.

People around here use weird landmarks, too. I once got directions that included the line "Turn right just after the mailbox that looks like a fish."


message 5: by [deleted user] (new)

i never have to ask for directions, thanks to my gps. but on the off chance that i dont have that with me, id called my dad, because he has all the major roads and landmarks of america like memorized or something. i never trust my friends, they have a habit of playing pranks on me.


message 6: by Stacia (the 2010 club) (last edited Mar 25, 2011 02:44PM) (new)

Stacia (the 2010 club) (stacia_r) Dutch wrote: "I can't stand it when someone give me unnecessary information when giving driving directions.

I want the plain and simple style. "Turn right on Smith Street, then turn left on 10th Avenue, th..."


I like the extra info if there's a very short or very long distance in between two points.

For example, if I need to turn right, then turn right immediately again, I want to know to be on the lookout right away. Same with if there's a 5 mile stretch between one turn and the next. Otherwise I get paranoid that I missed my turn.

I prefer driving directions in words over using maps, but I used to be a badass map navigator. I was the one doing all the directions on my family's road trips as a child.

We do have a GPS and use it for long car trips, but if we're going somewhere locally, we'll usually look up driving directions on my husband's phone.


message 7: by Jonathan (new)

Jonathan Lopez | 4726 comments I love GPS.


message 8: by Michele (new)

Michele bookloverforever (lovebooks14) | 1970 comments I still love Thomas guides and paper maps.


message 9: by RandomAnthony (new)

RandomAnthony | 14536 comments edit: My hubs uses GOogle maps on his phone, which is ok, EXCEPT WHEN HE IS DRIVING.

Doesn't he get the voice, Sherrie? I'm pretty sure my GPS is google-based through the "navigate" app. I don't know if I'm saying that right. But a rather sultry female voice tells me when to turn, etc. I don't have to do more than glance at the screen.


message 10: by [deleted user] (new)

so we're currently lost in in Colorado. with no gps. anyone know how to get to glenwood springs?? because my friend just walked into some dingy looking motel to ask for directions, and im pretty sure she'll forget them by the time she walks back to the car.


message 11: by Phoenix (new)

Phoenix (phoenixapb) | 1619 comments A good old fashioned atlas...works for me everytime. ;)


message 12: by [deleted user] (new)

thing is, we have absolutely no idea where we even are. meghan seems like she knows where she's driving us, so im going to cross my fingers...


Stacia (the 2010 club) (stacia_r) I've lived in this state for about 10 years and still have to look up how to get to Glenwood Springs. Wish I could be more help.


message 14: by Phoenix (new)

Phoenix (phoenixapb) | 1619 comments Thanks, Barb! :)


message 15: by Lori (new)

Lori Google Maps always fucks me up, I much prefer Mapquest.

I much prefer getting landmarks, or 3 blocks after the light or stop sign, etc. I also like mileage, gives me a great sense of when to start looking for said landmark. Whenever I have to hunt only for street signs, inevitably I go past it and have to make a Uey.

Oh I probably give terrible directions! I can give directions for places I know well, but if it gets complicated, too many uhs, and then you go a ways, and then, oh wait first watch out for the um....as I scratch my head. sheesh. I usually tell people when I don't know, I'll start them in the right direction and tell them to ask someone on the way.


message 16: by Helena (new)

Helena | 1056 comments I used google once for directions to a campground in the US... I wound up on this single track dirt road, where I couldn't turn around. There were bullet holes in all the signs and I wound up in a weird trailer park with bullet holes in the trailers too. There were no people anywhere. I could hear the strains of theme song from Deliverance and was honestly frightened. I turned aroudn and booked the hell out of there. Never again will I use Google maps.


message 17: by Lori (new)

Lori Mapquest! Is the best!


message 18: by Phil (new)

Phil | 11837 comments When I give directions to a woman I use landmarks ("turn right at Denny's, turn left when you see the large green house...").

When I give directions to a man, it's street names and distances ("three miles south, then left on 14th St. Two more miles and turn right on Western.").


message 19: by Lobstergirl, el principe (new)

Lobstergirl | 24781 comments Mod
Great. It feels like 1962 around here.


message 20: by Phoenix (new)

Phoenix (phoenixapb) | 1619 comments Phil, if you ever give me directions, please use the "man's" version for me. ;)~


message 21: by Lobstergirl, el principe (new)

Lobstergirl | 24781 comments Mod
When I give directions, I use street names, directions, distances, and landmarks. Regardless of whether I'm giving them to men or women.


message 22: by [deleted user] (new)

We drove straight past the exit. How? I'm not sure. Looking back, I can't believe the four of us all missed it.


message 23: by [deleted user] (new)

More like too busy arguing how long it would take to arrive.


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