If you become lost while driving, what is the first step you should take?

When you become lost while driving, the most effective first step is to pull over to a safe location and consult a map or GPS. This approach ensures your safety as it allows you to focus on understanding your surroundings without the distraction of driving. By stopping in a safe area—such as a rest stop, parking lot, or wide shoulder—you mitigate risks associated with attempting to navigate while on the move.

Utilizing a map or GPS not only helps you identify your current location but also enables you to plan your next steps based on accurate information. This method is preferable as it keeps you calm and controlled, ensuring that any further navigation decisions are based on a clear understanding of where you are and where you need to go.

The other options, while they may seem reasonable at first glance, can lead to unsafe situations. Continuing to drive in hopes of finding a familiar area can lead to further confusion and potentially hazardous driving conditions. Asking for directions while driving can distract you and increase the risk of an accident. Calling for roadside assistance may be necessary in some cases, but it's typically more urgent if you're unable to safely navigate or if you've encountered a mechanical issue, which is not the case when simply feeling lost.