Sat Nav's, a dangerous distraction

[4F]

There is no problem with a Sat Nav, if its used properly. I use mine regularly as I'm often in unfamiliar locations. The voice tells you that there is something to do then its a quick glance no greater distraction than checking the mirrors, speed, fuel tank gauge etc. If you haven't the time to make such a quick check amongst your general observations then you are clearly driving too fast.

Agreed.

 

[Dan B]

I'd rather have the map than the voice instructions, which are delivered in a tone of stentorian supremacy and often ambiguous, badly timed or unhelpful

"Turn left in 100 metres. Turn left!" - er, I think I'd rather wait for the traffic lights to change first
"Keep right then bear left in 100 metres" - wtf?

Honestly, if it was a human navigator behaving like that I'd chuck them out of the car.

 

[ColinJ]

This man certainly found his Sat-Nav to be a dangerous distraction!

 

[Fnaar]

The Fnaar household reverses the usual male/female 'useful with a map' scenario. I'm fine finding my way on the bike or walking, but put me in a car and I'm flipping useless! To the amusement of my kids, it once took me 20 minutes to find my way out of a shopping centre car park.
Mrs F on the other hand, is absolutely top notch with a map, and is obsessed with finding the best route possible... I do the long-distance driving, she tells me when and where to turn. Sorted.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

I like maps but when you've got one open over the steering wheel it's tricky to shave and eat your toast too so I've resorted to a sat-nav. I used the MPs method of paying and stuck it on expenses, they never questioned why I got the one with the European maps on either - very handy in France this summer.

 

[4F]

I used the MPs method of paying and stuck it on expenses, they never questioned why I got the one with the European maps on either - very handy in France this summer.

I found it chuffing handy for navigating through Rouen. First year I have ever managed to get through the poxy place without taking a wrong turn.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

I have a large box full of A-Z county maps, which used to live under the bunk in my truck when I was doing national work. I wouldn't use a twat nav, don't like them at all. Not because of road safety concerns, I just prefer maps.

 

[Davidc]

Its not the sat nav thats the problem, they just talk, it's the morons that use them stupidly.

The dangerous part is letting people drive cars who've only just about got the brain power of a mentally retarded worm.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

None taken!

Its not the sat nav thats the problem, they just talk, it's the morons that use them stupidly.

The dangerous part is letting people drive cars who've only just about got the brain power of a mentally retarded worm.

 

[John Ponting]

Its not the sat nav thats the problem, they just talk, it's the morons that use them stupidly.

The dangerous part is letting people drive cars OR RIDE BIKES who've only just about got the brain power of a mentally retarded worm.

Let's not forget how many forum members use mobile phones, MP3 players and sat navs while cycling ... and weave around while dialling or txting.

 

[4F]

Let's not forget how many forum members use mobile phones, MP3 players and sat navs while cycling ... and weave around while dialling or txting.

Chortle

 

[Davidc]

Let's not forget how many forum members use mobile phones, MP3 players and sat navs while cycling ... and weave around while dialling or txting.

Fundamental differences:

1. Cyclists need bigger brains than motons - they have to balance and motons don't

2. Cyclists can usually only kill themselves

 

[Night Train]

As a satnav user for the last year I find the satnav both useful and helpful.

The first few drives I found myself concentrating on it more then I needed to but then I decided to leave it on and ignore it. It now takes as much of my attention as my temperature gauge or fuel gauge.

I look at it when I have time and need to check what information it is giving.
One of the most useful things, apart from the route directions audio, is seeing at a glance the road layout around the next bend or how far round the third exit of the next roundabout is so I can have better road positioning.

I have also made my own mount so that the satnav sits on the top edge of the dash right in front of the steering wheel. It is in my line of sight but just below the bottom edge of the windscreen and just above the steering wheel. That allows me to give it a quick glance without it being any more distracting then glancing at the instruments and it doesn't create a blind spot
Also a quick tap on the screen, without taking my hands off the wheel, changes from 3D view to map view or trip details. No more distrating then flicking the indicator stalk or dipping the headlights.

 

[GrasB]

Nothing wrong with sat navs only the people who can't use them.

I personally have my sat nav as visible as possible without being in the way, visually & ergonomically. When driving with it I glance at it every now & then (we're talking minute intervals) to keep my map bearings & mainly listen to the audio instructions if I need to re-plan my route I find somewhere to pull over. When solo I find this less intrusive than trying to remember a map & work out which junction it is. That said, my girlfriend has now been trained up on map reading & much more useful for navigation.

 

[totallyfixed]

Just as I thought, all us cyclists are not only great at riding a bike but are also the best drivers . Thought there might be some anecdotal evidence from our London brethren who also of course have to deal with the chavs on their mobiles.