Introduction.

There can surely no longer be any doubt that GPS is safer than maps, especially for drivers of vehicles. We’ve all heard the horror stories of folk driving the wrong way down the Beltway or a one-way street, or even driving perilously close to a hazard like a ravine or river – because they’ve not used their own common sense, but what we never get to hear is the number of times a GPS system can help to avert potential disaster for drivers.

GPS – more than just a route finder.

Just because the GPS says turn right - you don’t have to!

If you’re the sort of driver that only uses their GPS to find routes for them, then you are more than likely under-using the potential of the GPS satnav system you own. Sophisticated modern GPS units will warn you in advance of traffic delays and offer alternative routes where available. They can also be linked to weather warnings so that you can avoid potential problems form incoming storms etc. However, for me the single most significant point regarding GPS being safer than maps is when I’m out driving in unfamiliar terrain. There, on the windshield in front of my eyes, is a moving graphical representation of the road ahead – giving me advanced warning of any sharp turns or intersections that are potential hazards, meaning that I can adjust my driving accordingly to meet them safely. Finally, although this one is for the future at present, think what the impact of machine-to-machine (M2M) telematics could be? Moves are already afoot to fit automobiles with automatic crash notification systems; which could easily be linked to the GPS services, giving drivers immediate notification of an accident on their route and thereby further increasing driver safety through GPS technology.

Don’t just look at the GPS – dummy!

When using a GPS satnav system you have to remember that it is an aide to your driving, suggesting the best route to follow and, just like a human driver, it is not infallible and is certainly not taking any responsibility at all for your driving. On the basis that we use our GPS systems when driving in, or to, unfamiliar places we should automatically be extra vigilant and cautious regarding our driving and, therefore, think very carefully before deciding on a particular maneuver – be it to overtake a vehicle or turn onto a new road. Regarding the selections we make as to which road to turn onto etc – the GPS device will make this a much safer decision for us to make as we have in effect a ‘heads-up’ display to view rather than having to look down and possibly unfold or turn pages on a map. However, that doesn’t take away from us our responsibility to also look at the road signs and make adjustments for any restrictions.