Satnav Warning
Monday, February 15th, 2010Misuse of satnav means business drivers are ‘driving blind’ says the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM). Many people in rural areas will have seen or heard of lorry drivers getting stuck in narrow lanes after blindly following their satnav’s cheerful instructions. If the UK were to introduce ‘road trains’ (articulated 60 tonne mega-liners stretching up to 82ft), as has been discussed recently, these incidents could be much more serious says the IAM.
A recent survey (motoring.co.uk) said that 20% of women and 30% of men have blindly followed a satnav into the middle of a field, and Network Rail has experienced damage to railway bridges and level crossing collisions as a result of drivers’ failure to use their initiative.
Peter Rodger, IAM Chief Examiner, said: “Satnavs can be a real aid to road safety, providing the driver already has an idea of the route. “Your satnav aids your own navigational abilities. It should not replace them. Have a map as a fall back and remember satnavs are no more infallible than the person who uses them, so do have some idea of your route before you set out.”
Although there is currently no legislation for the correct use of satellite navigation equipment, the police have a number of offences they can apply if they believe the driver to have been ‘driving without due care’ or ‘failing to have proper control’. These could result in endorsements of between three and nine penalty points on your licence.
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