RoSPA Warns Of Sat Nav Hazards

There has been much debate about the use of mobile phones and hands free sets in car whilst driving but recent research has revealed a new distraction that could be the cause of many unnecessary road accidents.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has revealed it is concerned over the number of accidents that could be cause by the increasing use of Satellite Navigation technology while driving.

Sat Nav systems have become increasingly popular but the society has claimed that some drivers could be becoming too dependent on them, causing them to drive through inappropriate or even dangerous routes. This could be a cause of accidents or property damage, potentially causing an increased number of car insurance claims.

A spokesman for RoSPA stated "It is obviously very worrying if people are switching off at the wheel and just relying on the Sat Nav telling them where to turn right, where to turn left or whatever it maybe."

He added that drivers might not be able to see hazards that have "suddenly arisen", or if the road has changed in nature recently.

The purpose of Sat Navs is to provide advance information about route or traffic conditions, enabling the driver to make earlier and better decisions.

However, it is essential that drivers still pay attention to their route and the roads they are using.

Top tips for using your Sat Nav:

•    If you are involved in an accident or commit an offense it is your fault not the Sat Nav.
•    What you see must take priority over what the Sat Nav says.
•    Watch the road not the Sat Nav.
•    Put the Sat Nav in a sensible place – it should be easy to see but not restrict your view.
•    Do not try to programme the Sat Nav while you are driving – it can be as much of a distraction as using your mobile phone.
•    Keep the Sat Nav updated.
•    Make sure you keep it out of sight when you are not in your car – Sat Navs are very tempting to casual thieves.

If you would like to know more about driving why not ask AnswerBank Motoring.