There are lots of technology innovations finding their way into our boogie buggies.  Some are real distractions and others can really aid in safe driving.  GPS can be one of the former, but it can definitely help us be safer.  We just need to Driverthink about it.

For those of us who’ve been hiding under a rock for the last decade or so (perhaps for very good reasons), a really simplistic description and history of GPS and its use, may be in order. 

The Global Positioning System, was developed originally by Department of Defense for military use.   It uses signals from satellites to triangulate the position of the receiver, the GPS unit.  In May of 2000, Selective Availability (an intentional distortion of accuracy for other than military use) was turned off.  Suddenly, extreme GPS accuracy became available for civilian use.  The era of GPS began.

Today, GPS can not only pinpoint your exact location, but it can also pinpoint where you’re going and tell you exactly how to get there.  It does this by superimposing your position on a neat little map screen and by giving you audible instructions.

So how can this technology make us safer and how can it perhaps, get us into trouble as we pedal off to wherever?

The first obvious advantage of GPS is that you’ll never really be lost.  You may not know where you are or how to get where you’re going – but your GPS will.  Getting lost is one of the biggest driving frustrations we face.  It is most definitely distracting, and distraction is unsafe.

Trying to read maps while juggling the steering wheel with your knees, will become a thing of the past.  You can concentrate on driving safely while the GPS concentrates on the navigating.

Drivers who often have to go to strange addresses will appreciate how the GPS can take you directly to the specific address in question.  A map might tell you where the street is, but the GPS will save you from driving up and down said endless street, trying to sort out where the actual address is.  GPS will not only show you where the street is, but where on the street you need to be – and how best to get there.

On the highway, your little GPS friend will tell you exactly how far it is to the exit you want to take.  This will give you ample time to position yourself in the exit lane.  You won’t have to dive across three lanes of heavy traffic in a last minute, panic effort to avoid missing it.  You also won’t need to poke along in that slow exit lane forever, because you’re not real sure where the exit is and you don’t want to miss it.

Road closures will no longer strike fear into your heart.  If you’re forced off of a known highway, GPS will guide you on, through those strange and unfamiliar streets, day or night!

Don’t buy a GPS that doesn’t recalculate your route.  If you do miss a turn, intentionally or otherwise, your GPS should be able to recalculate a new route automatically.  Most units today have this feature.

So far, so good.  What are the downsides?

It’s easy to become obsessed with your little buddy.  It’s really hard to watch for road hazards if your eyes are constantly fixated on that little screen.  You’ve still kinda’ gotta’ watch where you’re going!  Not good to try programming your route while you’re driving either.

When using the GPS you will usually find yourself in one of three situations. 

First, you know exactly where you’re going and how to get there.  You’re really only using the GPS as a backup.  GPS quite often, won’t choose the same route you’re used to.  If you know your chosen route and your little buddy suddenly directs you off into the unknown, don’t succumb unless you’re feeling exceedingly adventurous!  You can always keep going your way, and let the GPS recalculate.

You may know pretty much how to get where you want to go, but aren’t quite sure of the exact final location address.  Here again, I will take my own route as far as I feel comfortable, then I’ll let the GPS guide me to the final exact destination. 

I usually turn off the audible directions when I know where I’m going and then switch on “voice” as I get into unknown territory.  Audible voice directions help keep eyes on the road.

Finally, you haven’t got a clue how to get where you’re going!  Every road you’re going to be on, is unknown and new to you.  You’re now at the mercy of your GPS.  Settle in and enjoy the drive, knowing that your trusty little navigator will eventually get you exactly where you want to be.

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