Warning: Don't GPS and drive!

Looks like you might have to add using your GPS to the list of things that the experts tell you not to do while driving. According to a new study, using GPS while behind the wheel is actually more distracting and less safe than unfolding a paper map and using it to find your way. The survey found that in 10% of cases, drivers would wait until they were on the road to program their GPS, and about 13% would rely solely on their GPS to get them to their destination, rendering them completely oblivious to the world around them. So, how about it peeps? We can't imagine going back to paper maps, and have found that GPS has actually made us more aware, since our cheapo unit doesn't audibly announce street names, forcing us to actually read signs so we know where we need to "turn right in 100 feet." But what do you think? Has GPS made you feel safer or less safe behind the wheel?

[Rabid_Pancake @ Feb 21st 2006 1:27PM]

Less, by far, same with my XM reciver and whatever MP3 player I have plugged into the tape player. Steering wheel controls would make this a bit better and possibly just installing the LCD screen into your dash and having a small bit of HUD Glass to reflect it. But with my Valentine 1, G-Meter, Oil Temp, Boost Pressure, Brake Controller all being somewhere in the car right infront of me it makes me long for the days where all you needed was the steering wheel and a stick shift.

[Glancing Aft @ Feb 21st 2006 1:29PM]

There will always be women drivers...

[Tonicboy @ Feb 21st 2006 1:41PM]

GPS is definitely more distracting than a cellphone. I always try to program my GPS while parked, but sometimes you just can't stop easily (e.g. on the freeway). Also, when I first had my GPS, I found myself looking at the map a lot. Now that I have gotten used to it, I mostly listen to the voice prompts, with the occasional glance at the map.

[lyons @ Feb 21st 2006 1:41PM]

As a Taxi driver I used a GPS for awhile but it was too inaccurate and distracting, now I just use a downloaded city map. My son loves the GPS unit for geocaching. I guess it's better off as a toy than use for taxi driving.

[tuig @ Feb 21st 2006 1:43PM]

My car (Lexus GS 430) has a touchscreen satnav which only allows you to enter a destination if you're standing still. (I'm in Europe, and I always considered this to be an 'American' feature, installed after somebody sued a car company for crashing while driving & satnaving). If you move, you can only press a big fat 'home' button on the screen, guiding you... home. Even though it annoyed me in the beginning, I guess it makes sense, as a touchscreen interface forces you to really look a the screen when entering data.

On a rotary knob based input system in a BMW X3 I regularly drive, you can enter destinations on the go. I find this quite practical, and the physical knob requires less attention than a touchscreen.

Best thing would be to have such a knob (or multifunctional Ipod-type control wheel?) in the steering wheel, so you don't have to lean over, and some sort of HUD when entering destination so you can instantly switch between satnav and actually watching the road...

[LordJezo @ Feb 21st 2006 1:43PM]

I can agree with this story.

I tried out my brother NUVI GPS system while driving from NYC to DC. I found myself looking at the GPS more than I was looking at the road. A few times over the weekend I was so concerned with what the GPS was telling me that I drove past where I was supposed to turn.

On a side note: Someone needs to make a GPS mapping system that has the option of keeping you out of bad areas. Sure, driving through the dangerous ghetto of DC might get me to my destination quicker but I sure don't want to do it.

[Matt @ Feb 21st 2006 1:44PM]

Umm, why is there a GPS unit in that BMW when it already has one installed in the center console?

I'm thinking whoever matched the picture up to the story is wrong, because that car already has GPS built in......

[C FALC0N @ Feb 21st 2006 1:47PM]

well this will probably get GPS banned from cars along with cell phones. And yet pets/children are more distracting than both of them. Its hard to drive when you're cranked around to the back seat sluggin' one of your kids... and thanks #2 - when will the insurance companies catch up?

[Kiteless Dragon @ Feb 21st 2006 1:53PM]

I have a "Garmin GPS V" that I use a lot! If for some reason I need to start a new route while i driving I glance at it quickly over and over spending most of my time looking at the road. Sure it takes longer, but it is safer.

NO WAY IN "H E Double Hocky Sticks" am I ever going back to a paper map!

My Garmin GPS V can not talk, but I know it loves me! ANd I love it too! It is a black and white GPS unit that does auto routing. THey can be found for as little as $150 with a car kit, and all the maps.

[Joe @ Feb 21st 2006 1:55PM]

I've been trying to justify the $500 I spent on a high-end handheld Garmin 60CS. As much as a digital device can hold a lot more information than you'd want to print, you just can't SEE the damned screen while driving.

Nothing beats 8.5 x 11 color printouts at various zoom intervals while driving. I use my GPS as a backup in case I take a wrong turn at night and there's no sign post.

For regular city/suburb driving, just print out a Google map and work on that sense of direction. It's FAR more usefull and efficient if you can do it right.

[PodMonkeys @ Feb 21st 2006 1:59PM]

I print out the maps first.

Google Maps is the best.
True that. Double TRUE!

If I get lost on that, then its time to break out the map book. Mostly though, you're just screwed if you have to use maps around here. (Boston area)

[Jeff @ Feb 21st 2006 2:01PM]

I don't have GPS in my car but I desperately want it. I could see it being an issue if you've got it turned on when you don't need it (obviously, if you don't need a map at all, then it's just one more distraction in the car), but for those times when you don't know where you're going, I have nearly given up the ghost a whole bunch of times because I took an unexpected turn too fast or ended up confused in the middle of a lane change or whatever. I don't sit there reading a paper map while I'm driving (that's what wives are for), but humans are unreliable navigators, and even if I'm just following instructions given by the person in the seat next to me, those instructions are often unclear and/or wrong. Or even worse, they come too late. None of these situations is a recipe for safe driving.

I don't see how a GPS unit wouldn't be an improvement on this. It's been a big problem lately because we're moving to a new neighborhood and have been driving a lot of places we've never been before. (Yeah, I know GPS units are cheap now, but as I said, we're moving and need to hoard our money.)

[Wayne @ Feb 21st 2006 2:07PM]

I've been using GPS setups of all types for a long time; there's no way I would ever compare an "automatic" map to a paper one since they're so different in how they're used.

Paper maps, once you've gotten off track, are difficult and frustrating to 'find' yourself on again - let alone keep it unscrewed to get yourself back where you want to be. GPS makes that problem go away.

I do agree, however, that punching entries while moving isn't ideal - though it does get a lot easier/safer when you're familiar with the interface.

I love that mine talks to me, but we'll all be safer when it's able to listen as well!

[joel johnson @ Feb 21st 2006 2:08PM]

I use my laptop computer for GPS. seeing that I can't type and drive I always program it before I head for my destination. And no need to look at the screen; the unit speaks through the cars radio.

[Alcaron @ Feb 21st 2006 2:12PM]

You have got to be a pretty bad driver to become oblivious to the world around you simply because you are being told where to turn...I seriously question the driving abilities of anyone who falls under that category.

[lowspeed @ Feb 21st 2006 2:14PM]

I have a GPS unit and ... i'm taking this article seriously.

I think from now on i won't type in it while driving.

[daaper @ Feb 21st 2006 2:16PM]

I've found the best way to drive with GPS is to set it up in front of me in the middle of the windshield. This way, I can just look at the screen instead of the road. I can't see the cars, but if I listen for the honks I know when I'm getting to close or going off route.

I especially like the use of statistics, makes it seem very official. Anyone can make up statisitics to prove their point...93% of people know that. Who did this survey anyways, Rand McNally?

I'm not going back to paper maps and you can't make me. :-P

[BMW geek @ Feb 21st 2006 2:16PM]

The vehicle in picture is an '01 BMW 330i with the Sports Package and Premium Package. It also may or may not have a Cold Weather Package, as indiacted by the heated seats, which were also available as a stand-alone option.

Pre-'01 models had a different steering wheel, and in '02 the nav scren was 16:9.

[robogeek @ Feb 21st 2006 2:19PM]

#7 - There isn't any extra GPS in the picture it is an olympus DigiCam in the middle and an XM radio on the side.

[geoff @ Feb 21st 2006 2:20PM]

I would like to see stats correlating nav use with actual accidents rather than perception of safety.

[jld3 @ Feb 21st 2006 2:22PM]

I have a Magellan Meridian Color handheld GPS that I programmed in the main waypoints/destinations I travel to on long trips. I glance at it to see how much farther I need to go, but it's interface is too painful to try and type in an address while driving. You'd have to be nuts to do that. I'll never believe that a paper map is less distracting than my GPS.

With a GPS, I may be in the wrong place, but I'm never lost. With paper maps, who knows where you are?

[liquid @ Feb 21st 2006 2:27PM]

i dont see how using a paper map is any different than digital map. Most if not all the info is pulled from the same data. IMO a paper map is way more dangerous as you have to constantly fiddle with it, pick it up, fold it etc.I even see some people with the whole map covering there wheel. How is that safe? My GPS is a pleasue. Set the route BEFORE you leave. Then just listen to the voice promts. My GPS auto zooms when there is a upcoming turn. So basicly i dont have to do anything but pay attenting to the road. As with anything, use common sense while driveing a vechile. Im getting tired of all the studies that say this is a distraction, that is a distraction. That lead to laws that say u cant do this and cant do that. There is allways going to be something that distracts people while they drive. Its not the outside (or inside) distractions. Its the people who allow these things to take there attention away from the road.
Why dont they make a law that stops people from driveing with animals in ther lap. This one thing i dont understand. People say they love ther pets, yet they drive with the dogs head hanging out the driver side window? WTF is that.
Plus, as far as that study goes, 10& and 13% is hardly a majority. More like selective choice :)

[ebrian @ Feb 21st 2006 2:30PM]

It depends on the person.

For instance, my father cannot -- we bought a GPS to drive from LV to LA. We ran 2 red lights because he was too busy either staring at the GPS display, or waiting for the next instruction.

[Steve C. @ Feb 21st 2006 2:31PM]

I agree with "dapper".

My wife has a Garmin in her car, mounted by suction cup on the lower right part of the driver's side of the windscreen, almost in a direct line of sight looking forward. Viewing it is not much of a distraction.

My car has a built in GPS in the usual center console location for a factory-installed unit. Viewing it is very distracting -- almost dangerous -- as you have to turn your head and re-focus your eyes for a couple of seconds to be able to see where you are.

However, the use of voice command prompts is (I'm guessing) a safety enhancement as you don't necessarily have to look at the screen if "Wilma" (that's the name I've given the voice in my GPS) says "turn right in 500 feet", no matter where the screen is located.

In either instance, programming a GPS while driving is about as crazy as typing out e-mails on your BlackBerry while driving.

[Peff_D @ Feb 21st 2006 2:34PM]

Regardless of the additional device in your car (GPS add on, GPS in dash, iPod, XM, iDrive, etc) and the way you interact with it (touch screen, nav buttons on steering wheel, that horrible spinning disk in the center console)...

...One thing is certain - You are required additional brain bytes to manage these. Why? Because any artifact (insert fav gadget here) requires decisions on your part on how to interact with it, and those decisions take up precious gray matter that you have to use.

Even those of you who say that, sure, you know which cruise control button on your steering wheel you want, because you've learned it, or become familiar with it, there is still a mental model in your head, storing the physics of the real world to get your hand to that steering wheel, and hit the needed button.

Granted, I'll give you cruise control is a simple case that most people can run without looking, but when you add gadget, upon gadget into your car, you're putting yourself at greater risk.

Do yourselves a favor, severely limit the devices you have to control while driving, I don't care how techno-savy you are... it only takes a millisecond, while you're drinking your latte, talking on your bluetooth, changing the XM channel and setting your nav system up to end your life.

Anyone that disagrees with me needs to read up on Cognitive Systems Engineering, oh and email me, cause I'll be glad to prove my point.

~~~
Nav system comment

The best thing that they have done with those nav systems is - give it voice. As if your rider in the front street was telling you directions out loud. Nothing making you look, or touch, or read any technology (or maps for that matter)

If you require the car to be standing still to program in a new location, and require voice command, that would be a good standard.

[al @ May 29th 2008 4:35PM]

The suggestion how GPS should be used is excellent. I always have
mine mounted so far away that I cannot touch it but can hear
the voice guidance . Much safer than reading maps.

[lowspeed @ Feb 21st 2006 2:36PM]

I want to add that i believe it's only dangerous to input while driving.

It's far off better than fiddling with some papers.

[Jonathan Baldwin @ Feb 21st 2006 2:40PM]

There are still a lot of people out there who reject what research and common sense say, and insist that driving while drunk makes them "more alert".

I've been in taxis while the driver programmes his GPS - it's unnerving. I can't see how glancing at a tiny screen every few seconds can be a good thing...
Best thing, surely, is to plan ahead?

[Coasterjob @ Feb 21st 2006 2:40PM]

#18, whats your point? Did you hit "add" before you got to your point?
Maybe the picture was taken by someone comparing the capabilies of OEM Nav, and aftermarket?

[Jim @ Feb 21st 2006 2:41PM]

GPS is way safer than a paper map. If I'm truly lost, I spend too much time eyes on paper, guiding my finger, looking for just the right road or route. With GPS, I need only give token attention to it to zoom in on the map or change a display...

[longwall @ Feb 21st 2006 3:00PM]

Surprises me that Lord Jezo hasn't seen a GPS device that keeps him/her out of "bad" areas. Here in UK I got a cheapo (under 200 UKP) device in which you can set up your own areas to avoid. I already have Dalston programmed in but don't need to add any DC areas yet.

[flareak @ Feb 21st 2006 3:01PM]

GPS is safer. agreed with the unfolding of maps
1) you have to open it
2) you have to search where the hell you are (but you are lost anyways so then you gotta find a 2 streets)
3) you have to figure out how to get there
4) that is.. IF you know which way you are going on that road (ie. north or south/east or west)

obviously you have to pull over to a parking lot to do this. comparing using the GPS while driving and using a paper map on the side... well that's not exactly fair. I pull over to use my GPS. using a paper map and going through all those steps is lots more dangerous.

AND THEN: what about at NIGHT TIME? then you gotta use a map light.. paper maps while driving at night is just a big no-no.

if you're justifying the cost.. think about it this way. is 400-500$ more or less than an accident because you were looking at a paper map?

[sean @ Feb 21st 2006 3:02PM]

I can't believe these studies. When I've seen documentaries of using cell phones while driving, they have people performing complex tasks and dialing numbers. Who actually does that? How is talking on a cell phone any different from talking to passengers. Or driving with a kid? Is that going to be illegal now? And I can't believe that driving with a GPS screen which always has you centered and the map rotated in your direction worse than having to flip through a paper map and find where you are each time? All the factory installed GPS systems I've seen won't allow you to enter information while driving if this is what they are referring to. This really touches a nerve with me. There are always going to be distractions while driving, either the radio, passengers, billboards, etc. What makes a good driver is putting driving at the highest priority, and being able to handle the distractions.

[Ibigpapa @ Feb 21st 2006 3:30PM]

I have a gps and it does distract me but it's a little handheld that i use for my spedometer, since my real one doesn't work.

it's strapped to the dash, so i don't have to look too far off the road. so i think my gps is helpful, more than it is dangerous

[mike @ Feb 21st 2006 3:43PM]

Yep it totally does make you me a less safe driver. It totally distract particularily when i am have to change something like when i hit detour. However it comes in so handy. I guess if you are good driver it doesn't make you anyworse of a driver.

[Brian (redban) @ Feb 21st 2006 3:49PM]

I just got the Garmin NUVI 350 to replace my TOM TOM GO, What a difference! The NUVI is SOOOO small, and also reads the names of the streets/exits for you.. It also uses a new GPS chip that is so powerful i get a signal in my house! I can see where a GPS could get confuse some people who are not use to the technology, there is a slight learning curve, but overall its 100% less dangerous then a paper map.

[David Sears @ Feb 21st 2006 3:50PM]

I definitely rely very heavily on the instructions generated by my GPS device(s). I find it much more convenient and in many ways safer to have clear visual instructions accompanied by the graphical representation provided well in advance of the necessary maneuver.

However, the occasional malfunction while on the road definitely can cause problems. In a recent trip, a malfunction caused me to start reconfiguring on the road, which was a real risk.

When they work well, and assuming that the user avoids extensive interaction while driving, I think that GPS systems make driving in unknown locations much safer.

[Steven @ Feb 21st 2006 3:51PM]

Distraction from GPS is definitely a factor... and also very driver biased. I know that in the beginning when I started using the GPS, I was constantly trying to fiddle with it. After the novelty wears out, you usually just listen to the voice prompts and occasionally take quick glances for turns, etc. I'm almost willing to bet that the "GPS related" accidents happened to people who owned their GPS under 6 months.

I've also seen some new concept GPS systems which are HUD like, so the arrow to turn is projected on the wind shield so you never have to take your eyes of the road. That's probably where that technology is heading. It was really cool because the arrow looks like it's overlayed on the road... imagine the yellow first down line in football games.

Lastly, please don't program your "HOME" GPS button to where you actual home is. Put it in the major cross roads near your home. Hopefully you'll be able to get your house from there or a GPS isn't what you really need. Look, if someone steals your car, they now have your car (and maybe your keys), the GPS to show them where your house is, and most likely the garage door opener in the car to get into your house.

[Adamz @ Feb 21st 2006 3:51PM]

I think it depends on the usability of the GPS navigation software. Using Mapopolis while driving is much more dangerous than using something with bigger buttons like CoPilot. Using iGuidance, I never even have to look at the map screen 'cause the voice prompts are so accurate. I keep it in my pocket and just listen to the voice prompts inside my motorcycle helmet.

[alex @ Feb 21st 2006 4:05PM]

Haha, that's a nice install in that photo there. Is that an Olympus digital camera hanging from the rearview with some wire? Sweetness.

[niguels @ Feb 21st 2006 4:06PM]

Is that photograph from Phillipe Torrone's (Make Blog) BMW. Just guessing... I have a very visual memory.

Nice ride ;)

[Rutger Middendorp @ Feb 21st 2006 4:40PM]

I agree with most people here that a GPS device is another thing to manage while driving and thus can be distracting. But I guess the most important thing is: you need to find the route, right?
What are your options? Mine are: someone with a map sitting next to me, that isn't really good with them and me staring at the signs, yelling out the names on em. And of course glancing at the map myself too every now and then OR my TomTom telling me where to go, without the need to check every sign and me sitting back having a peep at the screen when TomTom talks to me.
Another added bonus is the fact that you can "see" further ahead on badly lit backroads. Love that too.

[Jay @ Feb 21st 2006 4:52PM]

Yup I agree, Never had an accident ever in my life and It happened on christmas eve in DC trying to take a left exit.
I am new to US and paranoid about avoiding "ghetto neighbourhoods". I have been through 4 GPS navigators and ebayed all of them in a month. Garmin c330, Ique M3, Ique M5 and a bundled pack with the Dell Axim X51V and wired GPS. Havent been liked them enough to keep them, The C330 was the best by far and the Axim the fastest. M3 and M5... pieces of junk.

Me myself and my M3 were responsible for my "at fault" crash and since then I've seen a rise in my premiums just enough as much the cost of 1 middle range GPS/year.

I'd have to say that I have become a more careful and defensive driver and speed much less. in a few months I will shop again for GPS navs.

[Tom McGee @ Feb 21st 2006 5:00PM]

This is just another variation on: Can you walk and chew gum at the same time?

I've been using GPS in the car for ten years, first on laptops and now with self contained units. I use it on the motorcycle too. Whether it is safe or not depends on dozens of factors. Sometimes it is and sometimes it isn't.

[Aaron @ Feb 21st 2006 5:13PM]

I'd have to agree that it can be very distracting at the start. I have a Streetpilot 2730 I just got a few days ago, and when trying to figure out a certain feature, I've definitely thought to myself "you know, this is a great way to get myself killed". However, using it is definitely safe, just a quick flip over of the eyes to check it, no more than I would look at a passenger or pushing a button the CD player. Also, I have a remote that I can push the 'speak' button on, although Garmin is pretty dumb and didn't make the ends of the remote different so I keep picking it up backwards.

[Tom McGee @ Feb 21st 2006 6:01PM]

Delorme had a Road Warrior version of Street Atlas that used voice recognition software running on a laptop. It didn't have a huge number of commands, but it definitely made management of GPS easier. It even responded to: Where am I? and Are we there yet?

[boe @ Feb 21st 2006 6:01PM]

Part of the problem is boot time. I've already backed my car out and am on the road by the time mine actually is ready for input.

[Joe Amato @ Feb 21st 2006 6:10PM]

The main safety feature I find is the ability to know whether your next turn is left or right. Here in Florida, three lanes of traffic pile up a mile before each traffic light. I now know when to start moving to the correct lane for my turn. I find it more valuable in a strange city than on interstate highways. "she" also has me take the necessary turn to arrive at the correct side of the highway for my set location.

[Anonymous @ Feb 21st 2006 6:23PM]

This "survey" has got to be a joke. So 90% of people use their navigation devices in a safe manner i.e. not while driving, and that's cause for alarm?

Out of all the people still using paper maps, how many consult the map while driving? All of them. Even if they don't peep while moving, how many of them don't look up in time to see that they're 10 lengths behind the car that went when the light turned green? Most of them.

[Fox McCloud @ Feb 22nd 2006 12:59AM]

I think GPS should be incorporated into some sort of a HUD or head's up display like fighter jets have... I'm a big fan of super tech gadgets like that... the more buttons my car has, the happier I am driving it He he