Gone are the days of your passenger reading the map while you drive. Today, your phone is possibly your most-used navigation tool when it comes to travelling unknown routes. Think Apple Maps, Google Maps, and Waze.
They’re so important to driving these days that following their instructions has even become part of the driving test. But are you using yours safely?
These 8 tips will show you how to use navigation tools efficiently and effectively.
1. Position it so you can see clearly
Make sure that your smartphone isn’t blocking your view in any way. You should still have a clear view of the road out of your windscreen, so make sure your phone holder doesn’t affect your line of sight or create a blind spot.
2. Turn up the volume
Make sure the volume is turned up so that you can hear the instructions clearly. If you listen to music while you’re driving, make sure you can still hear your directions. It is safer to rely on audible instructions instead of looking at the on-screen map, so make sure you can hear them.
3. Set it up before you leave
Using your smartphone while driving is not only difficult, but also illegal!
Navigation apps can present an unnecessary distraction if you’re having to sort them while you’re moving. Make sure that you’re all set to go before you start driving.
4. Check your route
Check your route before you leave. It’s easy to select the first place on the list, just bear in mind that there is often more than one town with the same name. It’s better to realise this early, rather than after an hour of driving in the wrong direction!
5. Get traffic updates
The days of listening out for traffic reports on the radio are long gone. Many navigation apps provide real-time data about road conditions. These could include congestion, road closures, accidents, and other forms of traffic disruption.
Apps will often update your route automatically based on live traffic information. Before you set off, make sure your mobile data is on so you can receive these updates.
6. Pay attention to the road signs around you
Your satnav might not always pick up that a road is closed or inaccessible.
Remember, you’re the one in the driving seat. You should use common sense when deciding whether to listen to or ignore your satnav. It’s also important that you can react to road closures and diversions, even if your satnav doesn’t recognise them.
7. Make sure your satnav is up to date
As new roads are built – and even new towns – your satnav will need updating. Most satnavs come with free lifetime updates, or at least free updates for the first few years. So, remember to get it updated regularly to make sure it’s as accurate as possible. If you use navigation apps, they’ll update themselves automatically.
8. Put your satnav away
Whether you’re staying parked for a while or just nipping into the services, security is key.
Satnavs and smartphones are a prime target for thieves. If yours is left in view, your car could be broken into. Make sure you put it away whenever you leave the car unattended. You should also try to wipe off the suction marks on the screen, they could encourage thieves as much as seeing the physical device.
Correct at the time of publication. Information in this article has been gathered from various sources, therefore WiseDriving cannot be held responsible for any view or opinion expressed herein.
