You are in: Road Safety News: 19 March 2007

Sat-nav distracts, readers say

81% of respondents to our online survey think sat-nav is a potentially dangerous distraction to drivers.

58% think it creates the same level of distraction as a hand held mobile, while 35% think it is less distracting.

One sharp-witted respondent suggests, "we need to encourage the development of 'eyes-free' SATNAV".

Here's a selection of comments - mostly pro sat-nav - made by respondents:-

"After the initial curiosity to look at the screen, it is possible to ignore it while moving and rely totally on the voice instructions. Once this is appreciated, driving on unfamiliar roads without stress becomes possible."

"Provided it does not obscure the driver's view and is used sensibly it should not be anywhere near the distraction of a mobile phone."

"Drivers regularly (or at least should) scan their instruments and sat-nav is no more than another instrument."

"I hate getting into a taxi with sat-nav. The driver stares at the screen instead of the road!"

"The word 'potentially' creates a loaded question. Although potentially distracting, if it is used correctly it is no more distracting than listening to the radio, and a lot less distracting than trying to read a map and drive - a feat attempted by many delivery drivers!"

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www.larsoa.org.uk • Local Authority Road Safety Officers Association (LARSOA)