Why you SHOULD talk to yourself while driving

If you've been driving for a while, it's easy to slip into the "autopilot mode" that we all can so easily drive with. You know the mode I'm talking about – it's when you stop thinking about the road around you and your focus goes into your mind where your thoughts are. You start to think about all the other things you need to do in your day and you forget to pay attention.

That's when collisions occur.

To avoid this problem, follow this one simple trick: Keep a running commentary about what's going on around you, as if you are a golf commentator. (You can do this out loud or, more likely, you'll just do this in your head).

So, as you drive down the road you might say: "I'm approaching an intersection in 100 yards. The light is green now but it could be yellow by the time I get there. There are two cars in front of me and they might brake quickly to reach that yellow…
 

… No, the light has stayed green. I can make it through. But there are cars driving on the cross street. Do they see that their light is red?
 

… Yes, they do. It's safe to proceed."

What I’m describing here is not as crazy as it sounds. You did this when you were first learning to drive (even if you don't remember doing that). And it's a great way to help keep us focused on what's going on and to create enough relevant "noise" in our minds to crowd out the distracting thoughts that arise.

As you narrate your journey, watch what's going on all around you.

• Name the cars and where they are – "red sedan is ahead, turning left… I'd better slow down", "blue SUV is right behind me but is signalling to pass… I'll keep an eye on my blind spot".
• Discuss the road geometry (intersections, curves, corners) and signs.
• Highlight potential dangers – "There's a school zone ahead and it's 3:30… kids could come running out into traffic unexpectedly". And don't forget to talk about potential contingencies to situations.
• On long trips, this skill also helps you stay alert. Don't forget to include gauge checks, mirror checks, and car-function checks – "The car's performance is changing slightly. It looks like the temperature gauge is rising" or "Mirror check! There's an 18-wheeler behind me. I'd better be careful about how quickly I slow down."

Like any skill that you might have used once but haven't used in a while, you might feel rusty and you might even forget to do it. But do your best to remember. And if it feels weird, just remember that you've used this skill in the past and it's something that can help you stay alert and focused and safe while you drive.