GPS Driving Distractions

If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident because of someone using a GPS system, you should consult an attorney.

In a recent survey commissioned by the Australian insurance company, AAMI, researchers found that men tend to be distracted by Global Positioning System (GPS) devices while driving more than women. The research results, released last month, were based on a telephone and internet survey of 2500 licensed drivers in Australia.

Seventeen percent of men admitted to losing their focus on the road, while 12% of women acknowledged that the devices which are intended to assist drivers in reaching their destination, are actually distracting them from the task at hand.  

In analyzing the results of the study, researchers suspect that distractions may be caused when drivers fail to input their destination prior to departing, follow the GPS indiscriminately, or argue – yes, argue – with the device while driving. AAMI National Corporate Affairs Manager, Mike Sopinski, said that “some men thought they knew better than the device” and distractions could have occurred while attempting to reprogram the GPS.

“Men have a tendency to pre-occupy themselves with gadgets and gizmos, particularly those that are loaded with technology,” according to Mr. Sopinski.  

AAMI recommends that drivers follow these tips to avoid distractions while driving which can lead to car accidents:

•    Program your GPS with your destination prior to departing
•    Resist the temptation to reprogram the GPS device while enroute
•    Preset radios, CD players and temperature controls before you start driving
•    Attend to personal grooming and eating/drinking in advance or pull over and take a break, if necessary