Satellite navigation and the risk of accidents

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My gripe is about car drivers who use satellite navigation systems and just don't pay attention to the road or other road user around them.  They are an accident just waiting to happen.

Why is it that so many people have now got these large screens obscuring their full view of the road, and most of them are too busy looking at the map when they turn, they fail to indicate and check mirrors.  They have absolutely no idea what is going on around them and all they see is their stupid map!  They didn't see that the motorcyclist that they have just hit did they?  Satellite navigation systems are a danger to other road users!

Case in point, businessman driver in his Audi A4. Doing 20mph in a 40 zone through the new forest.  My friend is on his FZ600 following and when he sees that the way is clear to overtake (i.e. no stray ponies, pot holes or horse poop on the roads) he approaches and goes to the right.  The Audi driver has decided that his satellite navigation system tells him to turn right in 20 yards to enter a camp site.  So what does he do?  He does just that and swings round without observing his blind spot.  My friend needless to say goes straight over his bonnet.

idiots in cars not looking where they are going

In town this morning, I had a similar experience riding my bike into work; a lady driver swings on round without indicating.  She hadn't even unfolded her mirrors on her BMW!  I had to give a swerve and slight skid, causing me to drop my ZX6R, which by the way I have only had a couple of weeks.  The damage?  A cracked nose fairing and mirror, seat panel and screen  All because of idiots in cars not looking where they are going and observing other road users.

Did the driver of the BMW stop?  Of course she didn't!  I have an issue with women car drivers anyway.  As a lady driver myself, I believe that women should choose between children OR a 4X4...  But hey, that's another gripe!

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Got taken for a ride (everywhere)

If anybody has a TomTom satnav and wants to waste about £50, invest in their live traffic program. I know some people wont believe me, so go ahead and judge it for yourself, but remember, I tried to warn you!!!!

16/08/13 Got taken for a ride (everywhere)

0

jethro

Thanks MMG, still waiting for tomtom to reply to my mail about their probs with the live server.

19/03/13 jethro

2

miserablemoaninggit

Just recently purchased a new TomTom with Live services. No 148 error code as yet (fingers crossed). I replaced the Go Live 940 model - one that seemed to be plagued with problems from the outset.

19/03/13 miserablemoaninggit

-6

Jethro

Just wondering if anybody here is having trouble with their tom tom live services giving a 148 error code(cannot connect). I have phoned tomtom help but they are as much help as a chocolate watch strap. They won't admit any prob's, but their web page says there's a problem that they are trying to fix. Been going on for nealy two weeks now.

19/03/13 Jethro

-3

dobbo996

I use a sat nav in my work and find it a very useful tool. I do however check the route on a map before I set off, as the sat nav can send me down some, erm, interesting routes. I place the sat nav over to the left of the windscreen as low down as possible. All too often you see them high up to the right where they block the driver's view. The bottom line is a sat nav is a tool that has to be used along with all your other senses. Focus on it and it becomes unsafe.

01/06/09 dobbo996

-10

The Arrow of Time

My Sat Nav cost me big money. It sent me down a one-way street the wrong way. That street had CCTV or cameras: whatever, I was snapped followed by a huge fine in the post. It turned me into some kind of criminal. I bet the local councils are in league with the sat-nav companies to create such beasts as they generate a huge revenue. 10% kickback enough?

01/03/09 The Arrow of Time

2

D Higgins

I have to say, I'm a little disturbed at how these idiots who dont use their eyes (except to stare at the satnav or mobile phone) all seem to be driving BMWs, Audi's and other expensive cars.

01/03/09 D Higgins

-15

Satnavs1

What a lot of drivel written by someone who does not know the first thing about the subject they chose to write about.

21/07/08 Satnavs1

-5

Hoodie Boy

Mike P you talk crap man. Just drivel with no point who cares how you use your sat nav. Get a life.

20/04/08 Hoodie Boy

7

Shy Vera

Hi Nikki,
Its the 'used correctly' that is the problem, the no brainers popping down the road to get whatever, needing to be told left from right and when!

09/04/08 Shy Vera

-10

Nikki

I am one of those rare women who are actually quite good at reading maps ... and I have a very good sense of direction, both in a car and on my feet. Recently OH purchased a sat nav, I was dead against it because I thought it to be an utter waste of money when I am more than capable of reading an ordnance survey map. However, I have had to eat my words, they are absolutely brilliant, especially when I am driving myself and cannot therefore map read. As someone has said, it is not always possible or safe to park up and read your map. Used correctly, the sat nav, especially round towns, is absolutely brilliant. Frequently, they will divert you off motorways to avoid an accident that has happened up ahead, and save you hours of frustration. Used sensibly and correctly, they are a godsend ... even for Antichrist, with his sexist remarks !

24/03/08 Nikki

11

MikeP

Like most things, SatNavs are a great device when used properly. With the volume of traffic and the state of many roads it can be both difficult and dangerous to find a safe stopping place to read a map, so if you are on your own or with someone who can't read a map (ie most women, sexist I know but a proven fact!) using a SatNav can be safer than stopping. I have even seen idiots with the map out trying to read a map whilst driving.

A Satnav used with care, and they all come with safety warning, some even have them on screen, can enhance safety for both the user and those around him. I only use mine when necessary and use it as decision support rather than relying on it totally.

24/03/08 MikeP

0

Matthew

So you're on a bike and you overtake when there's a turning on the right? Suicidal or what? Ok the car driver is in the wrong, but as a bike rider personally I'd rather stay alive. Fully agree about SatNavs. QVC and Ideal world crazily demonstrate them in the MIDDLE of the windscreen!!

24/03/08 Matthew

-2

Andy Evans

To be honest lads n lasses I use a Sat Nav for my work when I get callouts to domestic properties & i'm unfamiliar with the area I find myself in.
However I do observe the road & not the Sat Nav screen. I only listen to the spoken instructions.
Some of the people you are on about are nutters anyway with or without Sat Nav-believe me I like most of the rest of you come across them every day-most of which are not insured!!!
Sadly our roads are full of idiots of all ages, race, sex etc & there aint a damn thing any of us can do about it I'm afraid!

24/12/07 Andy Evans

-5

Shy Vera

Hi, this is moving off topic is it not! I do agree with youthough Brian.
Satnavs are great as a tool but do they need a screen if you have the audio instructions? I think not. You cant look at the screen and the road.
No brainers become dependant on it because they dont have to think anymore.
To repeat, it is a tool not a dependancy.

07/12/07 Shy Vera

-17

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