Most Women and Men Do not Trust Their GPS

If you thought that only men were unlikely to ask for directions, think again. Around three out of four women are likely to ignore directions given to them by their satellite navigation system or GPS.

While the figures from a survey out of the UK show that 83% of men rebel against their GPS systems regularly, they also show the less-expected revelation that most women are also not as trusting of these devices as you may have thought.

“The survey found that two-thirds of the respondents kept a map book in their cars because they were concerned that their GPS devices would lead them astray,” notes Robyn Farrell, managing director of 1st for Women Insurance Brokers.

It was also found that around one-third of drivers stated that their navigation system has led them off course, and more than half of respondents said that their GPS has led to a fight with a passenger.

The research has shown that despite huge technological advances drivers still display a psychological reliance on traditional methods to direct them to their location.

Distracted driving with GPS

Apart from the uncertainty about the reliability expressed regarding the use of satellite navigation systems, concerns remain about drivers’ losing concentration when trying to establish where they’ve gone wrong.

It is remarkably easy to be in a car accident when you are distracted by the GPS device, so it is important not to take your eyes and attention away from the road. “Beginners tend to look at the screen much more than they should,” Farrell notes.

Farrell adds that drivers should not try to programme their GPS while driving. “If you need to cancel or change a destination, you should safely move to the side of the road and reprogramme when you have safely stopped.”

Never get lost again

A GPS, fortunately, is not the be-all and end-all when it comes to directions.

1st for Women has launched a new product called Directions Assist, which is included in all motor and home contents policies.

Directions Assist offers a 24-hour directions assistance service for when you are lost, or forgot your directions at home or at the office. This offer includes:

• guidance when travelling within the borders of SA, and/or
• assistance when you are lost or have forgotten your directions.

Directions will be provided to you telephonically while on route or the directions you require can be faxed or e-mailed to you.

“You never again have to wonder if you’ve already passed that tree … three times before! Directions Assist will take the chore out of navigating, and is the support every woman needs when taking one too many scenic routes,” Farrell smiles.

She concludes: “Using Directions Assist means never having to get so frazzled while driving that you become a danger to yourself and others on the roads.”