UK blames sat navs for damaging 2,000 bridges per year

We've already seen plenty of evidence of the potential damage that sat navs can cause, but the UK's Network Rail has now put a figure on at least some of it, saying that the devices are responsible for damaging some 2,000 bridges per year and causing 5,000 hours of delays. That, thankfully, is not from the satellites falling from the sky, but rather from over drivers relying a little too heavily on GPS units (in particular those driving trucks too large for the bridges), a problem apparently so bad that some places in the UK have taken to putting up signs warning of the dangers. That's apparently not quite enough to solve the problem, however, and now , in addition to warning people to use a little common sense, Network Rail is also reportedly attempting to map all of the UK's low bridges and level crossings so that the information can be added to GPS software.

[Thanks, Charles H]

[paragraph @ Feb 13th 2008 12:18PM]

Step 1: Don't make Bridges too small
Step 2: No Problems... go about your day.

But realisticly, these people are idiots... is it me or is it only brits that make the news for stupid stuff like this? You never see an american drive into a lake because the GPS said so... is that because we are smarter? no, it's because we use accurate maps... sometimes...

But yeah... it dosn't matter... i don't really care too much...

[Brassen @ Feb 13th 2008 12:57PM]

Mr. Michael Scott did it!

[mr_sparkle @ Feb 13th 2008 1:08PM]

it's not just the brits with nav issues...

http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008801030409

[Carbonize @ Feb 13th 2008 1:10PM]

Yes I mean an American wouldn't follow their sat nav onto a train track or anything like that.



And you wonder why people think Americans are idiots.

[aznatama @ Feb 13th 2008 1:53PM]

bridges built sturdy enough for large trucks cost many times more than ones built for passenger cars. so unless you would like to have more taxes so that trucks can drive around on your small streets that weren't originally even designed for large trucks...

besides, the problem is with the software used, they need to develope gps specifically for trucks and commercial drivers. ie - you can't effectively use a gps made for a passenger car in an 18-wheeler... just like you can't effectively use a gps made for hikiing in the city...

[spam_from_engadget @ Feb 13th 2008 5:22PM]

> Step 1: Don't make Bridges too small

Many of these bridges were built over 150 years ago. They were large enough for the road traffic at the time. Try: "Step 1. Don't make trucks too big."

[Noli @ Oct 5th 2009 5:29AM]

That's because an american is too fat to get into the car in the first place

[Flashpoint @ Feb 13th 2008 12:19PM]

The Key is simply to develop more intelligent software...and make that software adatable to whatever vehicle the nav unit is attached to.

I forsee a menu in the beggining asking:

Is this vehicle a Truck, Car or Bus...

Is this Vehicle under 6ft tall, 10 ft tall, 15 feet tall,etc

Is this vehicle 3000 lbs or under, 8000 lbs or under, etc



And based on your choices, the Nav unit routes you to a route you should be on and will not re-route you through an innapropriate route.

I guess that type of system would require up-to-date NAV TRAFFIC through XM radio.

[dexter fillmore @ Feb 13th 2008 2:08PM]

it's been done:
"Some roads and highways have vehicle type restriction, such as forbidding large trucks or commercial traffic. The nuvi 660 allows you to specify what type of vehicle you're driving (car/motorcycle, pedestrian, bicycle, truck, bus), and have it route you appropriately. "

http://gpsmagazine.com/2006/10/garmin_nuvi_660_indepth_review.php?page=12

you don't need updates over xm, the map maker companies need to have that info in the maps, which it does.

[Paul @ Feb 13th 2008 12:20PM]

This is not the fault of the Sat Navs, this is the fault of simple, pure, and utter stupidity.

I mean seriously, if there was not documented proof of this happening I would think this was a complete joke.

Who is stupid enough to go, "Well that bridge looks to low for me to drive under, but my Sat Nav says I need to go under it so here we go!"

/ just lost a little more faith in humanity.

[ADG @ Feb 13th 2008 2:14PM]

Just remember, this is from the country that wants to eliminate pointy kitchen knives so people won't hurt themselves. Sigh......Great(!?) Britain, the most emasculated country on the planet.

[Matter @ Feb 13th 2008 12:31PM]

It appears to me that "common sense" needs to be a bit more common.

Matt

[Max @ Feb 13th 2008 12:31PM]

I agree with Paul.

But I think they should change that sign to say 'don't be a dumbass' and that should fix all the problems.

[sk @ Feb 13th 2008 12:32PM]

I would think having a GPS in your truck would make it easier to turn around if the bridge is to low and still find your way by searching for a new route.

[r3loaded @ Feb 13th 2008 1:46PM]

Exactly, the whole point of GPS is that it can recalculate if you take a different route.

[D W @ Feb 13th 2008 3:02PM]

I think most of you are having a hard time thinking outside the box.

1. These are big rigs. You can't just show up at a bridge and go 'oh no it's too small' and do a simple 180! Have you ever tried driving a truck?

2. Many bridges in the UK are ancient! Many major roads in the UK still have old bridges that are not signposted miles ahead. We can't afford to replace bridges here, so quit picking on old Blighty.

3. Most truck deliveries don't repeat the exact same route everyday, so often have to rely upon a GPS to get them to their destination quickly.

Before you go assuming Brits are idiots or that the bridges there should be capable of handling large trucks that can easily turn around, start remembering the 35W Bridge in Minnesota that was less than 50 years old that collapsed because of stresses from too much traffic.

[kjb434 @ Feb 13th 2008 12:32PM]

Luckily most states here in the US keep details of bridge heights, weight limits,and posts them.

State Department of Transportations can also provide truck drivers acceptable route to travel to void bridges that are too low or can't take the load.

The next level would be for this data to be available for Sat Navs and for the user to imput information about their vehicle. Trucks really would be only ones to enter weight since most consumer vehicles don't exceed weight limits.

Consumer vehicles wouldn't only have to consider height.

[Carbonize @ Feb 13th 2008 1:13PM]

All low bridges here in the UK are sign posted. The problem is people watch their sat navs and not road signs. The problem of stupid drivers exists in all countries.

Maybe every now and again the sat nav should make comments like "You are reading the road signs aren't you" or "You do know I'm just a dumb machine looking at lines and have no clue as to what some these lines mean"

[Daniel @ Feb 13th 2008 12:40PM]

In Davenport IA they have a railroad bridge known as the "Truck Eating Bridge" which has claimed over 100 recorded photos of trucks slamming into it. This despite the fact there are signs, flashing lights and other warnings triggered miles before you actually reach the stinkin' bridge. It's not the GPS fault, it's plain stupidity at work.

[Hax Or @ Feb 13th 2008 1:14PM]

I agree.

In Iowa, they don't build bridges high enough for commercial trucks.

They expect you to waste gas, drive miles out of the way, because frankly the bridges are too low.

And they blame the victim... priceless.

learn2build bridges! haha jk build them 3 feet high, all those idiots with vehicles over 3 feet high should get a clue, right? haha

[tamarok @ Feb 13th 2008 12:55PM]

This issue is the fault of both the satnav device and the driver:
- the satnav for not taking into account vehicle types with regards to certain roads, bridges and tunnels
- the driver for failing to understand the limitations
Because of this the solution is twofold:
- make satnav devices that take into account vehicle type
- educate drivers about this

[John S @ Feb 13th 2008 1:00PM]

Why should sat navs be held any more responsible than your typical paper map (or even online mapping services for that matter)?
Bridge height is something that needs to be considered on its own, regardless of where you get your base route information from. Anybody that is hauling an oversize load should be aware of these precautions from the beginning.
It all really boils down to the fact that people are just stupid.

[Anthony @ Feb 13th 2008 1:14PM]

Putting ANY blame on the electronic device is what is wrong with this world.

[tamarok @ Feb 13th 2008 1:21PM]

I am not saying it is the satnavs fault, more that there is opportunity for the satnav developers to make them more idiot proof. Idiots will happen, so you need to take them into account when designing a product, to a certain extent.

[Andrew R @ Feb 13th 2008 12:59PM]

I actually suspect that the problem is people in the trucks using consumer electronics grade GOS units.

The commercial systems are able to account for this sort of thing.

But even then there is the old "brain in gear" problem

[Wez @ Feb 13th 2008 1:17PM]

The problem isnt just down to Sat Nav. There are far too many heavy goods vehicles on the roads in Britain being driven by foreign drivers. (I know, I know "Blame it on Johnny Foreigner" syndrome) But its true. A high proportion of drivers are from mainland and eastern europe where driving licensing standards are typically less stringent than the Uk driving standard. Also, The UK is old! A lot of our road and rail infrastructure were constructed before heavy articulated trucks were even conceived so the bridges weren't contructed with them (or double decker buses) in mind. And lastly we have a new problem over here with the over use of road signs. On any given stretch of road especially in urban areas, there are far too many signs next to the road. It gets to the point where if you pay attention to all of them you certainly can't pay attention to whats happening directly in front of you on the road!

[ecobore @ Feb 13th 2008 2:00PM]

This is such an easy and obvious solution to truck problems with SatNav. Similarly local councils should use their existing maps to inform satnav companies which roads are closed to large and heavy vehicles. That way the info could be incorporated into later software updates. EASY really!!!

[Slawek @ Feb 13th 2008 1:13PM]

I can't wait to hear what Jeremy, Richard, and James will say about this on TopGear.

[L.Rawlins @ Feb 13th 2008 1:26PM]

'...and now we'll put her into the hands of our tame racing driver.

Some say he's a figment of my slightly senile imagination, others - that he has single handedly stolen all of the 'low bridge' signs as to scupper the snail-paced travelling habits of those left lane leviathans, but one thing we know for sure is his name: The Stig...'

*Turns away from camera*

[Hax Or @ Feb 13th 2008 1:12PM]

Uh oh.. towards the end of this blog entry they mention that they are going to map the low bridges now.

That's actually helpful! Kudos for using your head!

[Pheeel @ Feb 13th 2008 1:13PM]

The UK has a lot of bridges that have been there for many years. I'm talking hundreds, you know before cars and trucks were invented.

Maybe you guys should travel outside of the US for once and experience the wider world. You do know that there are other countries out there don't you?

[Laura @ Feb 13th 2008 1:57PM]

hear, hear.

[GameboyRMH @ Feb 13th 2008 2:21PM]

(Stereotype class="American")
Well knock me out and steal muh' teeth! Other countries, that aren't
in America! Well how bout that...hold on, there could be terr'ists
hidin' up in them places! >:(
(/Stereotype)

[Paul @ Feb 13th 2008 2:23PM]

Surely you jest!

[Matter @ Feb 13th 2008 1:15PM]

I honestly can't recall how we were ever able to find our way around before SAT NAV. Tough times, tough times indeed.

Mind you, I guess it is just as likely you will hit a bridge / lake / forest with an analogue map sprawled across the steering wheel and windshield.

[Philpott @ Feb 13th 2008 1:35PM]

yup

[SimonRichards @ Feb 13th 2008 1:28PM]

I don't think you can blame it on sat-nav. Last time I checked, London buses don't have it...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7238711.stm

[Philpott @ Feb 13th 2008 1:34PM]

It's not just the Sat Nav though. I was driving a rider truck to Boston without Sat Nave, only paper maps, and we took a shortcut on a parkway. We were pulled by a trooper 500 yards from a low bridge that at night we saw no signs for. That would've suck but we would've have blamed Garmin for fun.

[Sonic_13 @ Feb 13th 2008 1:50PM]

Why is it that almost all of the reports of people crashing and dieing because of following their GPS a little too closely come from the UK?

[SimonRichards @ Feb 13th 2008 2:11PM]

Because our roads appear to have been designed by an idiot.

If you look at a map of a part of London, you will see what I mean.

Attached for your viewing pleasure :D

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=tottenham+court+road&sll=51.509036,-0.218525&sspn=0.012661,0.040169&ie=UTF8&ll=51.497763,-0.188656&spn=0.012664,0.040169&z=15

Basically just scroll around a bit and you'll see what I mean.

[Laura @ Feb 13th 2008 2:18PM]

can't say i've ever heard of anyone "dieing" because of their sat nav.

[Laura @ Feb 13th 2008 2:56PM]

and why is it that all the reports of police tipping disabled people out of their wheelchairs come from America?

[Steve Jobs @ Feb 13th 2008 2:03PM]

Who needs GPS? Google maps and my atlas tell me everything I need to know.

[dalek2000 @ Feb 13th 2008 2:28PM]

Bit slow here aren't we engadget? I first heard this story at least 2 days ago. I know it's in another country and all but I thought a news blog was meant to be up-to-date

[BigD145 @ Feb 13th 2008 2:55PM]

"Technology will save us."

[Allen @ Feb 13th 2008 3:19PM]

Why is it that whenever something like this shows up in europe, the response is "people in america do stupid stuff too!" But when this kinda thing is reported in America, the response from Europe is "stupid Americans."

Anyway, I always thought it'd be a good idea to have software packages available based upon what type of car you drive for the GPS. It'd allow for the GPS to avoid this problem.

[Wwhat @ Feb 13th 2008 3:56PM]

You know that britain is full of polish and other former eastblock drivers that drive in and out right?
And that must be it because I'll go ahead and assume that any civilised country has signs about the capabilities of tunnels and bridges in front of them, and the only reason you'd miss that is because you either fell asleep or don't know the meaning of local signs (or imperial measurements on them?).

[pundit @ Feb 13th 2008 4:36PM]

I've lived in North America and also in Europe. North Americans rely less on SatNav than Europeans for many reasons. North American cities are (generally) built on some form of a "grid plan" with wide boulevards, two-way traffic, (relatively) new infrastructure, higher bridges, less bridges and other such wonderful things. European cities are a mess in terms of layouts, street names often change at every intersection, there's no straightforward system, streets wind around all over the place, the highways between major cities don't even make sense on distances of over 100km, which is nothing in North America.

You can drive from one side of Canada to the other without a map. There's pretty much one option for doing so. In America, it's nearly the same, you still don't need a map if you've got a general sense of geography. In Europe, a lot of driving involves instinct, since you can't be sure to follow "Street A" to your destination. Unfortunately, Europe hasn't updated its infrastructure in many places, and SatNav wasn't exactly designed with Lorries in mind.

[Diogo @ Feb 13th 2008 8:54PM]

Or you could you OpenStreetMaps (http://www.openstreetmaps.org) and add a tag into the bridge, like "maxton=3" or "maxheight=5" or whatever, and you incorporate that info into your sat nav. That's the beauty of having this open database, only if more people would start using it (manufacturers also)...

[guest @ Feb 13th 2008 11:20PM]

does anyone else think the roadsign isn't clear at all? it looks like satellites are out to destroy trucks with radioactive waves.

the other thing i think is funny about this story--how hard could it be to map england? the country is tiny.