GPS is a necessary evil one would say, as yes it offers us guidance to reach our destination, but at the same time it increases the chance of us getting involved in a car accident. Unfortunately, while GPS is very useful when we know how to use it properly, if used lightly it can very easily become a weapon that threatens our own lives and those around us.

Automatic navigation is in many cases the perfect co-driver, as through it, we can travel a difficult route of many kilometers without having to stop every now and then and ask if we are on the right track. But at the same time, if the situation gets out of our control and we are left completely on the GPS, there is a possibility that our attention will be distracted and we will be an immediate danger for ourselves and for other drivers. 

For this reason, its use requires special attention, especially if we are on a main road with many cars. In this article we will look at the proper use of GPS and how beneficial it is, as well as the risks that its use may involve.

Proper Use of GPS

The most important thing, first of all, regarding GPS, is to know its proper use before buying it, or at least before installing it in our vehicle. First of all, we have to keep in mind that only we know what kind of vehicle we are driving, therefore the way we drive should always be adapted to the vehicle and not to the GPS instructions. 

For example, it makes a huge difference to drive a car from a pickup truck or a motorbike. So the speed at which we go ( Speed: Learn When to "Save" Lives and When to Be Dangerous) but mainly whether our vehicle fits in some narrows of the road is something that we should examine ourselves and make the right decision.

In addition, no matter what the GPS says, we should always look at and follow the correct road signs. Finally, the most important thing is that we should always look at the road in front of us most of the way, and less the auto navigation screen. It also plays a very important role where we will place the GPS, because it can even hinder our visibility. 

Many drivers are almost unable to take their eyes off the GPS, as they are afraid of missing a road or getting lost. This is particularly important and dangerous because it changes the perception and reaction time of a driver while driving ( Find out here how much time you need to react and what is the "correct" safety distance).

However, we must keep in mind that the GPS automatically adjusts itself every time we miss a turn or follow a different path from the one indicated to us. Therefore, by constantly looking at the automatic navigation system, all we can do is stress and get useless information and details about the roads, which confuse us. And this of course becomes dangerous for us and for those around us.

What to Look out for When it comes to GPS

When it comes to GPS, there is one thing to keep in mind: We are the drivers and not that.
This is very important to keep in mind, as we must always remember that we are driving the vehicle and that GPS is just a tool that can make our driving easier. 

In addition, we must keep in mind that the automatic navigation system is a machine, and like all machines, it makes mistakes. That is why we should give basis and priority to what we see in front of us on the road, and not to what it gives. 

In addition, we should place the GPS in a place that does not disturb us, does not distract us, and does not create "dead corners of visibility" ( Learn more about GPS positioning from the experts).

The most important thing is to give the right information to our GPS from the beginning, in order to avoid any mistakes and adjustments that will stress us along the way. Therefore, we need to have in mind the route we will follow and give the automatic navigation system the right instructions, so that it does not lead us to the wrong destination.

Finally, a very useful tip is to use every feature that GPS gives us, such as voice commands and instructions. In this way we avoid many dangers and even our possible involvement in a car accident, as we will not have to constantly take our eyes off the road and look where we should turn or which road we should follow.

When the Auto Navigation System is Used Properly, It Works Miracles

All in all, it is very beneficial to have a GPS, as long as we know how to use it properly and not to be left entirely on it. It is important to remember that It is still a machine, which can be very useful, but it can make mistakes.

For this reason, it is crucial to upgrade it regularly, so that it is constantly updated on new roads, new traffic developments, and proper signage. 

I believe that, in this day and age, the automatic navigation system is something that almost every vehicle has or needs to have. But it is very important that we make proper use of GPS, and ultimately use it ourselves, and not use it.

Do not forget that GPS distracts you like a mobile phone, ALWAYS keep your mind on driving.