You might be one of many Montana drivers who use a global positioning system to help you navigate unfamiliar roadways. While such devices are becoming more commonplace, many people still find them almost magical. You plug in some information and a voice tells you how to get there. The only problem is GPS devices are not always reliable and may place you at an increased risk for collision.
There’s a risk of both system error and human error when you use a GPS while driving. Sometimes, outdated information can cause navigation instructions to lead drivers on a wild goose chase. If you’re looking for a road name on a street sign that hasn’t existed for 10 years or more, you might wind up being late to arrive to your destination. GPS devices can cause driving distractions as well, which can cause collisions that result in injury.
Don’t trust your GPS too much
You might be surprised to learn that people have driven onto lakes, onto private property and even into oncoming traffic because they failed to realize that the directions the voice on the GPS was giving were not correct. It can help if you review your GPS instructions before you actually head out onto the road. That way, if there is an error, you might spot it ahead of time.
Distracted driving collisions often involve GPS devices
You might find the voice on your GPS device to be too distracting. Many drivers make the mistake of thinking they will experience less distraction if they simply mute the sound and read the driving directions instead. However, if you do this, it requires you look at the device and away from the road, which can spell disaster, especially in a high-traffic area.
You might not be able to safely react in time
You really have no way of knowing if a nearby motorist is focused on his or her GPS device instead of driving. When traveling at highway speeds, even if you notice a car veering out of its lane or coming head-on toward you, you might not have time to react to avoid a crash. If another vehicle hits you at 30, 50 or 70 miles per hour, you might suffer serious, perhaps even life-threatening, injuries.
Recovering from a collision
There are many trained professionals and others in Montana who have skill and experience in helping accident victims recovery from their injuries. Such support is often key toward physical, emotional and economic recuperation. Your loved ones, medical team, in-home care assistants and others are committed to helping you obtain as full a recovery as possible.
Many Montana accident victims also turn to experienced attorneys for support because state law allows them to seek financial accountability against those deemed responsible for their injuries.
