4 Instances Where the GPS System Can Cause Car Accidents

The Global Positioning System (GPS) was invented to help drivers get to destinations they’d never been before. These systems have undoubtedly helped millions of drivers save time and avoid the ordeal of getting lost on a first-time trip to a new location.

However, this technology has its fair share of downsides. It’s been known to cause accidents for drivers who over-depend on it. A report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tells us that over 200,000 car accidents have been caused by GPS systems in the US.

Drivers who have become victims of GPS-related accidents (for no fault of theirs) are advised to find car accident attorneys who can help them get maximum compensation for the damages they’ve suffered.

Four Ways GPS Systems Can Cause Accidents

Here are four of the most common GPS-related accidents:

Distraction

When you’re driving to a location you’ve never been to before, you’ll most likely depend on your GPS for directions. You’ll keep glancing at the GPS screen for instructions at every turn, and at some point, you may get carried away by the interactive features on the interface.

Often, drivers will find themselves engrossed in the GPS interface, adjusting settings, searching for destinations, or even just watching the map update in real-time. This diversion of attention can have serious consequences on the road.

A distracted driver will fail to notice changes in traffic patterns, upcoming hazards, or the actions of other vehicles.

Misinterpretation of Directions

Despite their advanced technology, GPS devices are not infallible and can sometimes provide incorrect or misleading guidance. When a driver relies solely on GPS instructions without verifying them or cross-referencing with other sources, they may follow directions that lead them to danger.

Let’s say the GPS instructs the driver to turn onto a closed road or take a route with restricted access. There may be dangerous situations and potential accidents at the end of the road.

Also, GPS systems may not always account for real-time road conditions. They can’t show you construction zones, temporary closures, or traffic accidents. If you blindly follow GPS directions without considering any of these factors, you may be surprised by the obstacles you encounter en route to your destination.

Inaccurate Map Data

GPS systems are generally reliable, but since they cannot update themselves, they are subject to human incompetence as well. They sometimes provide inaccurate map data, which can contribute to accidents on the road.

Inaccuracies in mapping information can arise due to various factors, such as outdated data, map database errors, or GPS sftware glitches. 

If drivers trust the GPS without double-checking their surroundings, they may inadvertently violate traffic laws or navigate into dangerous situations, resulting in collisions or other accidents.

Delayed Reaction

There’s the danger of cognitive overload as well. A driver who entirely depends on GPS for directions will have to balance their attention on both the screen and the road. Not a lot of people have the mental ability to multitask their brains. Cognitive overload can result when the mind is overly distracted.

A distracted mind is unlikely to process information effectively and make timely decisions that can save lives.

For instance, if a driver misses a turn or fails to anticipate a change in direction indicated by the GPS, they may experience a moment of hesitation or confusion. This delay in response time can be particularly dangerous in situations where split-second decisions are necessary.

That’s not all. If GPS directions are unclear or misleading, drivers may waste precious seconds trying to interpret the instructions, increasing the risk of accidents.

Wrapping Up

GPS systems are not infallible. They can cause accidents that leave the victims in severe conditions. As a victim of a GPS-related accident, you’re entitled to compensation if you can prove that the accident occurred due to no fault of yours.

An experienced attorney will help you build a robust case against the appropriate defendant and help you get compensation that can cover your losses.