GPS systems are great tools to help reach your destination, whether you’re going on a long road trip across the country or even an address within your town. They are really commonly used today now that most phones have navigational apps. It’s no longer just an extra feature you have to add when purchasing a car, or an actual device you have to buy separately. While they can help you find what you’re looking for, sometimes they can pose a hazard in some situations. It’s important to keep certain things in mind when using one:
They Aren’t Always Right
GPS units are not always 100% accurate. Sometimes they may lose satellite signal, which affects its accuracy, navigating you to go in the wrong direction, or may have a delayed response due to poor satellite connection. For example, it may tell you to turn when you no longer have enough time or distance to switch lanes. It’s important to not jerk your vehicle in a sudden reaction to what it’s telling you. Also, many times GPS units don’t know if a street is only one-way, so it may navigate you to turn right on a one-way street going left. Therefore, it’s important to pay attention to any street signs and to where your GPS is directing you, or you could turn into a wrong direction and cause a serious head-on collision.
Watch Out For Construction
Road construction may cause certain roads to be closed, and they may be roads your GPS unit tells you to take. Some GPS units may not recognize road changes or be updated to reflect on those changes. So be on the lookout if you reach an area with construction going on and pay attention to where you’re going, or you can end up in an accident such as going onto a barricaded route.
Pay Attention
You should keep your GPS mounted in a place where you can see it without taking your eyes off the road, such as the dashboard or a suction cup mount on the windshield. If the GPS is on your phone and you don’t have a way of placing it somewhere with easy view, don’t look down at your phone but hold it up to your eye level, although it is preferable that in this case you just listen to the directions, as looking at your phone can be distracting.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA