Safety warning over satnav systems

21 July 2008 02:38pm

Many motorists are mystified by satnav systems, with drivers losing concentration while using them and even crashing, a survey has shown.

More than a third of users said satnavs caused them uncertainty or confusion, with 11% reckoning they led to lost concentration, a survey of more than 2,000 people by Direct Line insurance company found.

A total of 3% said satnavs caused them to break road rules, while 2% said they had led to an accident or a near-miss.

The survey also showed that 26% of satnav users said the system had tried to make them go through a no-entry sign or somewhere vehicles were prohibited, while 21% had been taken to the wrong place, and 19% said it caused them to dawdle or hesitate on a busy road.

Some 18% said satnavs had reduced their awareness of what was going on around them, while 10% had made a dangerous, late or illegal turn and 7% said satnavs had caused them to be late because of an unrealistically short journey time.

Maggie Game, head of motor insurance for Direct Line, said: "Motorists need to realise that while satnavs are a helpful navigation tool, drivers should not follow their instructions to the detriment of road safety. If a satnav system gives you an instruction which is likely to endanger other road users, you should ignore it.

"Satnavs are designed to make driving easier and safer. However, they will only do this if you take the time to learn how to properly use a system and understand the benefits of the technology."

© The Press Association