The sat-nav seems to be the must-have device for drivers this Christmas according to AA members polled. So what can those who got a new sat-nav for Christmas look forward to?61 per cent of respondents agreed that their sat-nav had stopped them getting lost countless times. Only 10 per cent disagreed with this statement whereas 44 per cent use sat nav’s very frequently.However, almost half (49 per cent) are worried that it might get stolen but only 4 per cent strongly agree they are worried it might take them to somewhere they do not want to go. Three-quarters of those that have a sat nav still carry a road atlas Edmund King, AA president, said: “Satellite Navigation systems are brilliant devices if used safely. A majority of those that have them think they are the best in-car device ever. These devices can enhance safety by reassuring drivers they are on the right route. Often roads are poorly signed so the sat-nav helps as a guide. However, the road atlas is still alive and well. We recommend that every driver should have an atlas to back up the sat-nav. You don’t want to end up in Stratford, East London if you really wanted the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon.”
The AA’s top-ten sat-nav tips
1. You are driving the car, not the Satnav. If you have an accident or commit an offence, it’s your fault 2. What you see through the windscreen must take priority over what the satnav says. If the road doesn’t look suitable, don’t use it 3. You know what sort of vehicle you are driving, the satnav probably doesn’t. Watch for signs that could tell you the road isn’t suitable for your vehicle 4. Don’t let the satnav dominate your driving – watch the road not the satnav 5. Put the satnav in a sensible place. Don’t create a blind spot, or put it where it could cause injury 6. Don’t try to programme the satnav while you are driving. You know it will take one hand from the wheel, two eyes from the road and a brain from driving 7. Use all the satnav’s features. When driving gets complicated, use the spoken instructions, and/or the simplest display 8. Check the route is practical before you start. Are you being taken to the right place? If you put in the wrong destination, it will take you to there. Does the route look right? 9. Update the satnav regularly. Old information can be wrong information 10. Remember, thieves like satnavs! If it is detachable, always take it out when you leave the car. People tend to hide them in the car, so mounts or suction cap marks attract thieves Simon McBride