Put Yourself On
The Road To Resolution

  1. Home
  2.  » 
  3. Motor Vehicle Accidents
  4.  » Using GPS while driving? Think again—it’s dangerous

Using GPS while driving? Think again—it’s dangerous

On Behalf of | Aug 21, 2020 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

Distracted driving has become a scourge on roadways throughout the country. It is one of the leading factors contributing to accidents, both non-fatal and fatal. Most people think that texting while driving is the most common form of distracted driving, but this is a misconception.

The most common form of distracted driving is the use of navigation technology such as global positioning systems (GPS). Using handheld or hands-free navigation tech may seem harmless, but it can lead to fatal injuries. We will explore this in detail and provide alternatives that you can use.

How navigation tech leads to distraction

It is hard to imagine a time before GPS and apps like Google Maps, MapQuest and Apple Maps. Millions of drivers have come to rely on this technology to help them navigate their surroundings. As necessary as these programs may seem, they can cause drivers to take their attention off the road for several precious seconds.

These are just some of the ways that you may become distracted by navigation technology:

  • Programming a location
  • Checking the route
  • Correcting an error in the address
  • Listening to narrated directions
  • Adjusting the volume

Fortunately, there are several alternatives to using navigation devices while driving.

Alternatives to GPS technology

The convenience of navigation tech is not worth the danger of distracted driving. Instead, you should try to:

  1. Memorize the address to which you are going
  2. Review the directions before you begin driving
  3. Practice driving the route beforehand
  4. Have a passenger in the car give you directions

Sadly, many drivers will likely continue to use GPS and other tech. You can do your part to reduce distracted driving by taking steps to end your use of navigation technology. Let us hope that, in time, this helps to permanently put an end to distracted driving accidents.