The evidence is clear, distracted driving is not only dangerous but can also be deadly. Each year in America, approximately 400,000 accidents involve driver’s that are distracted in one way or another. Taking your eye off the road for a mere three seconds is all it takes. Aside from phones, GPS (Global Positioning System) devices are quickly becoming another distraction behind the wheel.
Roughly, 26 million households in the United States use GPS. Although use of a GPS is arguably safer than opening a road map while you’re in route to visit a loved one or a meeting with business litigation lawyers, many people don’t realize the potential danger they can cause. Here are ways your GPS can be distracting while driving.
Listen Up
Programming your GPS while you’re driving can be equally as dangerous and texting, which is considered one of the leading causes of accidents. Many people set the voice command on the GPS to mute, turn up the radio, and rely on the screen for directions, which takes your focus off the road and onto the GPS. Turn down the radio and use the audio commands to be safer.
Wrong Way Down a One Way
GPS systems are helpful technology, but they’re not perfect. They sometimes can give you outdated or inaccurate information that can send you in the wrong direction. Other times, the satellite can experience communication errors that can cause interruptions or glitches.
Many times, an outdated map can lead drivers the wrong way down a one-way street. That’s a quick track to heading to the office of these personal injury attorneys in Orange County. Don’t be overly confident or rely solely on your GPS to get you to your destination safely.
GPS Safety Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving
With the two primary distractors and dangers out of the way, it helps to know what tips are out there to avoid distractions from your GPS. The following are simple tips to ensure your safety as well as others on the road.
Properly Install and Program Before Driving
Always ensure that your smartphone or GPS system is properly and securely mounted in place before you start driving to keep it from dropping on the floor. When installing, place it at eye level close to your line of vision so you can keep your eyes on the road. Always program your destination before starting your journey, even if you’re in a hurry, as well.
Don’t Rely Solely on Your GPS Device
Always familiarize yourself with the directions before you go. If you get off course or need to reprogram your GPS, always pull over in a safe location rather than trying to reprogram your GPS while you’re driving. Keep a map in your glovebox just in case your GPS fails, too. Better to be prepared than stranded without a signal and not know where to go.
Use Your Voice Commands
As mentioned before, you should always use the audio setting on your GPS. Not only will you be able to keep your eyes on the road, but the GPS most often gives you more of a notice when a change is coming to your course. If you’re traveling with a passenger, ask them to be in charge of the GPS so you can stick to driving.
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