Photo by Chris Cordes on Unsplash

There’s a debate among GPS users about which is safer: listening to the directions without looking at the device or muting the voice directions and glancing at the screen periodically.

Whether you’re listening to the directions or looking at them, your GPS is a form of distraction. Anything that takes your eyes or attention off the road raises your collision risk, and that includes the device helping you get to your destination.

Despite the risks, GPS is a fact of modern driving. For many drivers, it’s a routine part of getting from point A to point B, especially on unfamiliar roads. Given that GPS isn’t going anywhere, here are a few tips to help you stay safe while using it.

Prepare Beforehand

Whether you use a GPS app on your phone, have a GPS built into your car’s infotainment system, or keep a dedicated digital GPS device in your vehicle, it’s important that you set it up before you begin driving. Enter your route before you begin moving. This will ensure you don’t need to interact with the GPS once you start driving. It’s also a good idea to review and familiarize yourself with the suggested route as well. This will help you rely less on the map once you’re on the road.

When reviewing the route before you take off, there are a few things you should take note of. One is whether there are any landmarks along the route that can help orient you as you drive. The other is any rest stops and gas or charging stations, in case you need to fuel up or take a break. If you’re planning a long drive, your plan should include a break every couple of hours. Getting out to stretch, use the bathroom, eat and even nap can help stave off drowsiness.

If you need to edit the route or find another location in your GPS after you’ve set off, don’t interact with the device while driving. Ask a passenger to help you, or if you’re traveling solo, find a safe place to park before using your GPS. Operating your GPS while en route is not just distracting, it’s dangerous. The time it takes to click a button is enough time to miss critical hazards and cause a serious collision.

Make it Easy

When setting up your GPS, make sure it’s easy to hear and see. Place it somewhere you can quickly glance without taking your eyes off the road for more than a second. For example, don’t keep it in your lap or on the seat next to you, where you’d have to look down or far away from the road. Instead, mount it close to your sightline, without blocking your view through the windshield. Make sure the volume is loud enough that you can easily hear the voice directions. This will also reduce your need to look at the screen or take your eyes off the road.

“Reduce the noise in the vehicle, when possible. If you like listening to audio books or music on the road, make sure the volume is turned down and the GPS volume is turned up. This way, you can hear directions.”

Your GPS is there to help guide you through unfamiliar territory when needed, but that doesn’t mean you should let it make all of your decisions for you. Only follow its instructions when it is safe to do. If your GPS is telling you to make a left turn but you’re in the right lane, don’t try and cut across lanes just to obey what it says. Doing so puts yourself and others at risk. GPS is a helpful tool, not a replacement for good judgment. At the end of the day, your GPS can guide you, but it can’t drive for you. Trust your judgment over GPS every time.

Source:

https://911drivingschool.com/tips-for-using-a-gps-safely-on-the-road/