In response to this research released recently in the UK, 1st for Women launched Directions Assist, which is included in all motor and home contents policies. It is a 24-hour directions assistance service for when clients are lost or have forgotten directions at home or at the office and includes guidance when travelling within the borders of South Africa. Directions will be provided to telephonically while on route or can be faxed or e-mailed.
"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, MD 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. Apart from the uncertainty about the reliability, concerns also 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 re-programme when you have safely stopped.
"Directions Assist will take the chore out of navigating and is the support every woman needs," she concludes.
