After you’ve driven in your hometown for a while and head to the same places over and over again, you kind of go into autopilot mode when heading to your usual haunts. For me, certain destinations on Staten Island seemed like second nature to get to, and while living at home, I found myself knowing the way without really thinking.

Fast forward five years later when I’m only home a few times a year. I must have had a quarter-life memory lapse because I can’t seem to find my way anywhere anymore.

This past weekend my friend wanted to go see a movie at the “cool” movie theater. This theater has huge screens and stadium seating – totally worth the $11 movie ticket - however, it is all the way at the opposite end of the Island, and takes a trip on the Staten Island Expressway to get to.

I had been at my aunt’s house and since I wasn’t too sure how to get to the theater from there I asked my cousin for the best way to go. After about five minutes into the journey I knew something was wrong. Magically, I found myself on the wrong street and about to go over the Verrazano Bridge that would take me into Brooklyn.

I turned down a side road, and after a few more wrong turns, and with the movie starting in 20 minutes, I said to myself, “Why are you roaming around when you clearly have no idea where you are? Use the GPS on your Smartphone to figure out the best way to the expressway.”

I pulled up to a red light and started to rummage for my cell phone. Then I remembered my advice to all of you, to pull over before using your phone especially when you’re in unfamiliar territory. So I pulled over and determined my route from there. I got turned around a few more times, but each time I pulled, checked my position, and made the necessary adjustments.

With all this stopping and pulling over you may think I missed the beginning of the movie. Wrong! I made it with 5 minutes to spare, and didn’t miss a single preview, either.

Moral? When you’re lost, take the few extra minutes to pull over and sort out the situation. Not only will you save time, but you’ll also keep yourself and other drivers safe.

Have a happy (and safe) 4th of July!