New Study Reveals GPS Navigation Systems Often Give Poor Directions

by Tim Stevens — Jan 2nd 2009 at 12:01PM

British Automobile Association Recommends Caution while Using GPS

Do you have an in-car GPS navigation system? If so, do you find yourself relying on the thing a little too much? Maybe watching its LCD when you should instead be looking out the windshield? You're not alone, with a recent study from the British Automobile Association finding that 55-percent of GPS users find the devices distracting, and a similar number have been given poor directions.

The survey was among 7,380 U.K. motorists, among whom 40-percent have a satellite navigation system in their cars. Because of the poll's less than stellar findings, the association is recommending caution when people use the devices, lest you wind up adrift in a river, or playing chicken with a freight train. [From: Mail Online]

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Tags: aa, automobile association, AutomobileAssociation, gps, satellite navigation, SatelliteNavigation, study, survey, top

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 8)

Matt said 4:17PM on 1-02-2009

That's why I recommend that you use an Acura Navigation system. LOL, Satnav, who ever uses it? NEVER heard of it before.

Roy said 7:14PM on 1-03-2009

GPS units are great! Just have a little common sense, if it tells you to turn onto railroad tracks or into a river don't do it use your damn brain!

TL said 6:16PM on 1-02-2009

I love my Garmin so much I bought my daughter one. I live in a small mountain community in Colorado and have driven to LA twice to visit my daughter. Thank God for my Garmin!

Ted said 6:24PM on 1-02-2009

I used to use smoke signals when I wanted to send a message.

I used to use a horse when I wanted to tell someone something further away.

I used to use an abacus when I wnated to do some math.

I used to use a map when I wanted to go somewhere.

Get over it. If you don't know how to use a GPS then don't complain about them.

Alvie said 7:10PM on 1-02-2009

I couldn't agree more. People seem to think all they have to do is purchase the newest/latest technology and all they have to do is lay back and let it take over their lives without investing time and effort themselves. Kinda reminds me of our recent elections resulting in a more socialistic society where we sit back and let someone else take control.

thmperr said 10:19AM on 1-03-2009

My problem with GPS is that it simply does not work. It never wants to connect with the service, and when it does the routes it gives me are rarely the most efficient. It always wants to take the highway even if it takes me five miles out of my way for something 2 miles away. I have even set it to avoid highways and it still does it. It is constantly losing us and I miss turns because of this. I also constantly tells me to turn the wrong way down one way streets, regularly insists that dead end streets go through and when I e-mail the service with the problem they insist that their maps reflect reality. Maybe reality in a paralell universe. Sure there are idiots out there that I would not trust handling anything more complex that a spoon, but to say that the only problem with GPS is user error is to ignore the basic flaws in the system.

Ted said 6:26PM on 1-02-2009

I have lived where I now reside for 3+ years now and still cannot give directions to the pizza delivery guy. He should have a GPS.

HarryFromNE said 9:13PM on 5-08-2009

Nonsense. Of course GPS isn't perfect, especially if the owner doesn't update it. I have a GPS & it has been great! If you want a double help- get a road directions & use the GPS. Yahoo, Mapquest & other direction-giving sites aren't perfect, either.Mapquest definitely isn't! I usually try to have directions written out (left at 3rd light, etc) & bring a GPS when I need to. I recommend them, with normal and common sense that they aren't perfect.
I have sometimes went with the GPS directions & then knew it would be the wrong way, or not the best way, so I went another route for a bit & the GPS eventually caught up with me & we were on the same track. At least, with those cautions, a GPS can change & adapt to changes while you drive. Even if I gte lost for whaever reason, it can redirect me to where I want to go.

Jerry said 6:52PM on 1-02-2009

The portable units like the Tom-Tom and Garmin series are a much better deal that the factory in-car systems which are incredibly expensive and can be high maintenance with age or accidents. The portable units are easier to use, can serve more than one vehicle and can easily be repaired or replaced. Some of the factory units are packaged in "Entertainment Groups" and can cost over a thousand dollars.

Amy said 4:49AM on 1-04-2009

I have gps on my phone and it's pretty good, I really have no complaints about it.

George said 7:01PM on 1-02-2009

If you pay attention to where you are going on the road you should not have any trouble unless you are an idiot, then in that case you should not drive. I like mine very much and it is very heplful. Another thing is, it hepls to update the maps on it every year or two.

Tvl895 said 6:59PM on 1-02-2009

I've used GPS units a few times...but they will never take the place of looking at a map before you go. In November we were in Texas, and it was a good thing I knew how to get from Corpus Christi to Dallas because the GPS had us turning east at Austin and heading toward Houston....

VINNY said 11:53PM on 1-02-2009

YOU ONLY GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. SURE ALOT OF UNITS ARE ON SALE FOR $99.00 BUT THEY HAVE A HARD TIME GETTING YOU OUT OF YOUR BACK YARD. TRY A UNIT THAT COST 3 OR 4 HUNDRED $ . THERE IS A DIFFERENCE

Brad said 7:10PM on 1-02-2009

I have to agree with Jerry. My biggest comment on the subject is, the GPS is a helpful tool. You are the driver and must ASSUME all common sense. I have a Tom-Tom and I love it, BUT I still look out the windshield. I'm not letting a piece of electronics drive me into a river or a railroad crossing. Get real!!!

Ron said 7:06PM on 1-02-2009

it is like anything else, review map before going, use it as an aid, my Garmin has been very acurrate. Have use it out in the very very open country and it has identified road that I knew were there but not the names. Would I bet my life on it, no wat

Alyssa said 7:38PM on 1-02-2009

I really don't have an opinion either way. I am most concered about the 18 people who said they didnt know if they had a navigation system in their car... how... wtf?

Liz said 8:20AM on 1-03-2009

Exactly! 'Not sure I have a GPS and/or use one'? How is that possible?

Robyn said 5:01PM on 1-03-2009

that was too funny!!!!!!

Doc said 7:41PM on 1-02-2009

GPS = GOT PRACTICAL SENCE??

nat said 9:12PM on 1-02-2009

sense.

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