Prevent car accidents by learning how to use your GPS safely.
These days, the vast majority of drivers depend on GPS navigation whenever traveling to a new destination or on an unfamiliar route. Most of the time, GPS very helpful and actually helps drivers get to their destinations quickly and safely.
However, we have all heard the occasional GPS horror story, where a driver gets into a serious accident due to their use of GPS. For example, one such accident took place near Chicago this past spring, when a driver followed his GPS unit’s instructions towards a demolished bridge, ignoring multiple “road closed” signs, cones, and barricades. The vehicle plummeted 37 feet and caught fire. The driver escaped but his wife later died of burn injuries.
Of course, most GPS related accidents are nowhere near this dramatic. They typically involve some form of distracted driving, rather than bad directions.
Fortunately, this type of GPS car accident should be easy to prevent. Here are some helpful tips that should help you minimize the risk of becoming distracted while using your GPS and causing an accident:
- Be sure you understand how to control your GPS before you start driving.
- Test the voice feature before you start to be sure you can hear the instructions clearly.
- Never program your GPS while driving. If you need to start navigation or change the destination have a passenger help you or else pull over.
- If using a Garmin or other dashboard-mounted GPS, do not mount it where it can obstruct your view of the road.
- If you are about to miss a turn, keep going and let your GPS recalculate the route rather than attempting any unsafe driving maneuvers. Also, remember that just because your GPS advises a U-turn does not necessarily make it safe or legal to do one.
- Remember that the GPS may not have the absolutely latest road information, so always give priority to the signs and barriers you see in front of you over what the GPS indicates.
Have You Been Injured By a Distracted Driver?
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver—including one who took their eyes or attention off the road to use their GPS—Fernando D. Vargas can help you secure compensation. Call us at 909-982-0707 now to request a free initial consultation with Attorney Vargas.
