GPS - Curse or Gift?

March 16, 2017, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Recently a man driving his car following the GPS directions drove 800 metres directly into a street car tunnel where he proceeded to get stuck blocking traffic in the tunnel for some time. His excuse was that he was ‘just following the GPS’. We have heard similar tales from a woman who drove into the lake off the docks in Tobermory, and with other accidents. One news report account told of a woman who drove 900 miles instead of 90 because she followed her GPS system. It seems many people have abdicated their driving and observational skills when using GPS systems.

In the Toronto case the tunnel entrance is covered with signage and even has flashing lights warning that it is a ‘no go’ zone to cars and drivers. A special crane was used to extract the car off the tracks in the tunnel where it was stuck.

The man driving was fined $425 for the manoeuvre.

GPS systems can be a great aid to drivers especially if you are unfamiliar with your destination. They must be used with common sense though, and you must always check that the recommended course of action is safe and legal, and correct. Many new cars come with built in GPS systems, but some drivers don’t realize that the data banks, and systems aren’t always up to date, or correct. They are completely useless during power or system outages as well, and in areas where there is no cellular or Wi-Fi signal they can be unreliable.

There is ample scientific data that shows using road maps is better for us cognitively, and more reliable in any case. Maps certainly don’t tell you every step to make but provide a much better context for the route you are taking, so that you can determine if you are taking a safe, and direct route.

One of the biggest mistakes that people make when using a GPS is to be overly confident in its accuracy. They depend on satellite systems, and are vulnerable to system failures, outdated and inaccurate maps. Some systems don’t take road types into account, suggesting private roads or unpaved lanes. The more confident people are in their GPS the more likely they are to make errors while driving by their advice. Some people follow the advice too literally as well, either turning early or making unsafe u-turns.

Driver inattention and distraction can also lead to misinterpretation of GPS instructions. Experts suggest that when you are going somewhere new, you should consult a map along with your GPS. Pay attention to your surroundings and road signs. If things look not quite right, then they likley aren’t right.

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About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.