Suzanne Germano: Venturing Out and Expanding My Driving Horizons

So far most of my driving has been to familiar places or to places that I have practiced the route with Chase. I have only had my license for five months now and only have had my bioptic set up to see all the light colors for 3 months. There is a certain level of confidence that comes with driving to places that I have driven before. During my ten weeks in San Antonio, I was very confident driving my routes to USAA, the mall, the gym etc. Even on days when pouring rain came out of the blue, I didn't have any worries.

Having this new freedom is amazing beyond words but my real goal would be to just jump in the car and to go to a place alone that I have never been. I know of other bioptic drivers who travel and rent cars in new cities and hope to do that one day. As a new driver, I have certain concerns about going to new places, for example, will I end up in the wrong lane and not be able to turn or be forced to turn. So far, I think I am more scared of the "what ifs" and just need to do it. So far any time I have tried going somewhere new, everything has been great.

I have tricks I use to plan my route and make sure I am as prepared as possible.

Google Map Route Choices

First, I Google map the possible routes. I either pick one of those I like or decide a better route based on what I know. I prefer highways over tons of surface streets. The chances are people aren't going to be popping out of nowhere to cross the street on the highway.

I will then do a satellite view of the area. I check to see the best way to my destination. Is there a signal that I can use?

After that, I use street view to check major intersections and highway on/off ramps to know ahead of time the best lane to be in. I use the navigation in my Cherokee but I cannot see the detail especially with how dark my sunglasses are. I strictly listen to the navigation system.

This route is to an area that I have never been. It is a hotel for the National Federation of the Blind of Arizona Convention. Chase offered to be a silent passenger so I could do a practice run. I did not want him to say anything. I want to know I can do new places completely on my own. The trip was flawless and another step toward independence!