Capture the Moment Safely: Always Park Before Taking Scenic Photo

Imagine you’re driving down a coastal road with the setting sun as your backdrop, making the whole scene magical, what would you want to do? Take a snap, obviously! Whether you’re cruising through a lush landscape or witnessing a beautiful sunrise on the horizon while driving on a scenic road, it’s only natural to get the urge to capture the beautiful moment. However, that’s not a good enough reason to endanger your life or put others on the road at risk. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or a newbie taking driving lessons from a driving school, one lesson you must always remember is to stay safe on the road at all times. Even if there’s pic-worthy views around you, the best thing to do is park first and click later. Parking the car at the side of the road before taking scenic photos is important for many reasons. Let’s discuss them in brief: 

Safety First – For You and Others:

Driving requires focus and alertness, and trying to click pictures while driving can distract you. If you’ve done a Safer Drivers Course or learnt in a driving school, you’ll know how distractions can hurt you and others. To take photos while driving, you’ll have to take your eyes off the road, which can prove not just dangerous but in some cases fatal too. Imagine having a wild animal or a pedestrian enter the road or come before your vehicle while you’re busy taking a snap. You’ll have to brake suddenly or drift into another lane, disrupting traffic and putting yourselves and others on the road at the risk of an accident. It’s best to wait to drive with focus and park the vehicle first, and then click pictures to your heart’s content. Individual as well as road safety is the first and most important rule of driving.

Find a Safe Spot:

While parking the car before taking photos on the road is the right thing to do, you can’t just stop the car anywhere and get down. You should find a safe spot secluded but easy to access from the road. Finding such a spot will ensure you can separate yourself from the traffic while also having a way to rejoin the road once you’re done with the pictures. Also, you won’t disrupt the traffic or cause chaos on the road. Most scenic roads have a lookout area or a safe pull-over spot where you can pull over safely and take scenic photos of the landscape.

Avoid the Temptation to Snap While Driving:

When you’re witnessing a stunning view, the temptation to take that perfect shot can be overwhelming. However, getting carried away can lead you to danger. Instead, you should first look for a safe pull-over spot or a designated parking spot. Roads are meant for driving, so impromptu photo sessions should be done only after pulling over safely. However, it’s equally important to pull over in a safe spot, so if you’re unsure of a place, keep driving until you find a safer spot to pull over.

Appreciate the Moment Fully:

Just like driving, photography also requires focus, clarity of mind, and a steady hand. And it’s difficult to keep the hand steady if you’re juggling driving with taking pics. That’s why pulling over to a safe spot and taking a break from driving is essential if you want to truly capture the magic of the scenery around you. Plus, it also gives you a chance to stretch your legs and refresh yourself before continuing the journey. If you’ve ever joined a Safer Drivers Course at a driving school, you’ll remember how important it is for the driver to take small breaks on long drives. And if you can get a good pic while resting, what more could you ask for, right?

Leave No Trace:

Being a responsible driver isn’t just about driving safely, it’s also about parking responsibly and respecting nature by keeping your road and surroundings clean. So, even if you’ve pulled over to the side of the road to click pictures, avoid littering, crushing small plants, or disturbing the wildlife around you. Try not to leave any trace of your visiting the side spot, except those beautiful pics in your phone of course!

Remember: The Road Is for Driving

The safest way to capture the view is to park first, then click. At the end of the day, roads are designed for driving. When you’re in control of a vehicle, your priority should always be safe driving. Getting distracted by your phone or camera is never worth the risk. The best way to capture the beauty around you is by ensuring you get to your destination safely first.

So next time you’re tempted to take a quick snap while driving, remember this simple rule: park first, then take your photos. It’s a habit that will make you a more responsible driver and allow you to truly enjoy your road trips.

Looking to become a better, more responsible driver? Consider taking a driving lesson with Onroad Driving Education. A good driving school will teach you not just the technicalities of driving but also road awareness and safe driving habits. Because after all, the best moments are the ones you can enjoy safely.