Auto Accident Attorney: Helpful Safety Tips for Using GPS Navigation

Gone are the days when drivers would have to learn directions and rely on printed maps to reach their destination. In-car GPS  has become a required device these days. They are installed in almost all cars either in the form of an automobile navigation system or through an app on your Smartphone.

However, like many other forms of technology, GPS to has its limitations and the most common among them is the possibility of distracted driving. Distracted driving is a potential cause of a car accident. In the event that you were a victim of distracted driving, you should seek the help of an auto accident attorney to file a case and claim compensation. But because GPS has become such a "can't-live-without" accessory, you should follow safety practices. Here is a list of some essential safety tips for the road while using GPS navigation:

• The first and foremost safety measure is to program your GPS device with the address of the destination before starting the journey. Trying to punch in the address or dictating the same to the device can be the cause of major distractions. No matter how efficient you are you'll have to take your mind off driving for a quick moment. It is always advisable to put the destination in first so that the device is already showing the route when you start driving.
• Let the GPS device stay at your eye level. Make sure to mount it well enough to prevent it from slipping. This ensures that your eyes are on the road ahead instead of constantly following the route shown on the device.
• If you are in the passenger seat, it is imperative that you take charge of the GPS navigation and guide your driver. If your GPS falls off or you're constantly checking it out while driving, it could result in injuries that will be difficult to compensate even with the help of an expert personal injury lawyer.
• The more aware you are the better. And awareness here implies a proper understanding of the GPS tool. Explore all its features and make use of the voice navigation if that is present. Voice navigation informs the driver of turns and diversions well beforehand and the best thing about them is that they never compel the driver to take their eyes off of the road.
• At the end of the day, a GPS is only a tool, no matter how useful it is and like any other tools, it is not infallible. To stay safe and avoid distraction, you must update your GPS navigation from time to time to ensure that you are following the current route information only.

Even if you're following the route shown by the GPS to your destination, you should remain alert, especially of the road conditions and the traffic on the road.

While these are the basic safety tips for using GPS navigation, the bottom-line is to pay maximum attention to the road instead of the device. Distracted driving has caused several car accident cases, so always remain alert on the road.

If you are a victim of such an accident, which resulted without any fault of your own, you should waste no time in consulting a car accident lawyer and seeking compensation and just treatment for your losses.

The team at The Law Offices of Alvin F. de Levie has been helping accident victims of distracted driving receive compensation for over two decades.  Give us a call at 844-777-2529 to find out how we can help you.

This article first appeared on my blog.