Comments on: Use your brain when using SatNav

By: TuffGuy

TuffGuy — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:25:28 +0000

I would guess only 20 % actually cannot even use the satnav, the other 80% are like USAF whose spelling is so bad even predictive text on such technology is unable to decipher what the hell they are on about.
And lets not forget those that can actually turn them on and then mount it on the windscreen directly in front of them, like, they don’t need to see the road at all, just follow the satnav and maybe end up in the middle of a field.

By: Reckless1

Reckless1 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:14:54 +0000

Show your friend’s mentality is comparable to that of the English women who drove into a field.

An intelligent person knos the Satnav can be programmed to calculate your preferred route by using or not using tollways, freeways, etc.

What none of them have is an easy way to change the preferred calculation method, so you could be using a freeway bypass with preference set to non-freeway, and the thing will tell you to get off at every exit even though you’re on the best path.

By: Brendon

Brendon — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:39:20 +0000

I nearly drove down a boat ramp last night, my sat nav said it was a road… thank God I wasn’t in a hurry… or else I don’t think I would have my 1 week old BMW X5 in the driveway. :S

By: Al Juraj

Al Juraj — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:34:05 +0000

Brainless people, yes they exist, quite unfortunately. We may someday see a chimp pass a licence test.

The Lancer’s MMCS sat-nav actually becomes numb when the car is running so you wouldn’t bother pressing it unless you stop. The same thing is true with its DVD player – will show the picture only if on a standstill. This is great initiative from Mitsubishi introducing such high-tech features without compromising safety.

By: Mitchell Oke

Mitchell Oke — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:15:48 +0000

It’s called stupidity. If people can’t remember to turn their lights on when it is getting dark, they really should not be driving at all. Auto headlights is a convenience, it really shouldn’t be necessary.

By: Gilly

Gilly — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:11:24 +0000

One thing I notice of newer cars is that the constant illuminated dashes are a safety hazard. I have seen many new models driving around with no headlights in very low light hours. I think that the drivers are unaware due to the constant illuminated gauges. It think it should be mandatory that any new model with this feature has an auto head light on option or back up!

By: Hung Low

Hung Low — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:04:32 +0000

I bet everyone still carries a UBD for back up. When I use a GPS I find myself more focused in the anticipation of the next instruction rather than my actual driving. After years of using one, at times I still prefer the UBD and summarised notes method.

By: Mitchell Oke

Mitchell Oke — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:51:08 +0000

Bob, obviously no one needs auto headlights or wipers, but reversing cameras are an excellent safety idea, particularly when it comes to larger vehicles. Too many children have died because they could not be seen behind a vehicle, anything to prevent such accidents from happening is a very good development.

By: tommo617

tommo617 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:42:17 +0000

As a motorist and motorcyclist I am alarmed that people are losing the ability to plan a route using a map, identify the key points where they have to turn, then just go and drive it without having to regularly be reminded to ‘turn left 100 metres’.

A friend of mine borrowed a satnav from work to check if it was worthwhile – we drove our ‘normal’ route, and the satnav kept recalculating and telling us to go back because we weren’t going by its preferred route which was twice as long!

In ten years no one will be able to read a Gregorys or UBD (in fact, will they even still be available?)

By: Toyota Guru

Toyota Guru — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:10:55 +0000

CA writes: “Drivers should also think about the position of the unit – the satnav unit shouldn’t obstruct your vision or be put where an airbag could be deployed.”

C’mon guys, look where the moron in that picture has their satnav positioned, right in the middle of the windscreen of their Mini. People who put a satnav in that area should have the book thrown at them.