As per a survey, satellite navigation systems have been blamed for causing about 300,000 accidents in Britain. Moreover, around 1.5 million drivers have taken a sharp or illegal turn in congested traffic zone whilst following its instructions. Added to that many have been sent down a one-way street or a narrow lane. Such incidents cause huge amount of damage to life and property.

Ideally, in-car navigational systems have been designed to assist people in getting from A to B safely and quickly, but of late it is proving to be more of a hindrance. Almost half of Britain’s driving population have been found to use GPS units to get to their destination. satellite navigators are in fact making people to follow them slavishly resulting in accidents and mishaps. Almost everyday the news is filled with accidents occurring due to drivers blindly following a sat nav unit.

While they are here to help you, you still need to understand that it is after all a gadget and cannot be completely relied on. If it is telling you to take a turn then do make a note of any road signs that state the lane to be a one-way lane or a restricted zone. Trust your instincts rather than just act as a puppet to the GPS system. After the damage is caused is there any use blaming the gadget for the error; the loss to life and property cannot be undone.

Why Accidents Might Happens while Using Sat Nav Units ???

Although the manufacturers advise against it, many users read the maps or programme the route while driving. This makes them to loose concentration on the road inturn losing control of the vehicle. Some drivers have also admitted to have changed the course of route while driving. This led them to ignore the vehicle coming towards them leading to collision. Few others choose to ignore the road signs that are placed en-route. Some roads and lanes may have height and width restrictions which would be displayed on a signboard, but drivers easily choose to neglect it. Only when they are caught they realise their folly and then blame the gizmo for it.

Preventive Measures

• Firstly, understand that it is you who is driving and not the gadget. Thus it is your responsibility to ensure that you do not commit an offence or crime, which means that you follow the road safety rules and read and follow the road signs.

• Next, trust your instincts. If you feel the road or lane is unfit for your vehicle and yet the device advises you to go through it then do not take it. There have been several instances of vehicle being stuck on a wrong lane or under a bridge etc.

• Get a GPS unit that has been designed for your vehicle. If you are using a truck or trailer then get one that can be configured such that it will guide you through lanes suited for HDVs.

• Always ensure that you concentrate on the road while driving. Plane and programme your route before you start the journey. If you need to change the course then it would be better to halt and then reprogramme the unit rather than do it while on the go.

• Place the sat nav where you can clearly read its instructions and directions. However do ensure that it does not block your view of the road.

• These days satellite navigators are coming with lots of useful features such as voice control, Bluetooth, etc. Make use of them for optimum navigational experience.

• Keep the device updated. Ensure that the maps are up-to-date.

Finally, remember that the gadget has been designed to guide you. You are the master and you have the deciding authority. Do not let go of this power, it is you who needs to make the final decision as your safety and the safety of many others on the road is in your hands.

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