One In Four Brits Can't Drive Without A Sat Nav

A survey of British road users has revealed that almost one in four (23%) say that they would not be confident navigating without the use of a sat nav or traditional road atlas. Further, the survey shows even more reliance on the use of navigational technology when driving, since only half of all road users (47%) reported keeping a paper road atlas in their vehicle.

Survey respondents were presented with a fictitious scenario, in which they were 100 miles from home with no working digital sat nav or phone, and no "paper" road atlas to hand. Given this scenario, only a third of respondents said they would be “very confident” in their ability to use nothing but road signs to navigate their way home.

The use of sat navs has been part of the UK’s practical driving test since December 2017, with learners expected to demonstrate they can use one without it becoming a distraction. With apps like Google Maps and Waze offering free navigation through mobile devices, it’s not surprising that previous studies have found that 92% of British drivers use one.

Commenting on the study, Regtransfers CEO Mark Trimbee raises the question of whether or not we are becoming too reliant on technology to navigate our roads:
“The convenience of sat nav technology can’t be ignored, and having live traffic updates can be a lifesaver when it comes to cutting down commute times.”

“Even so, it’s important that road users - young road users in particular - are conscious not to become too reliant on them when getting around. You never know when you might find yourself stuck with no phone or signal and unable to use these apps, and being able to follow traditional road signs is a vital skill that’s needed as a driver. I would also advise investing in a good road atlas as one of your ‘emergency provisions’ and leaving it in your car, along with a bottle of water, first aid kit, a blanket and a warning triangle. You might think these items are unnecessary, but there may come a time when you wish you had them!”

Sat nav apps on mobile phones may also be presenting another risk to drivers, as it’s illegal to use a phone’s satnav without it being properly fixed to the dashboard or windscreen. Drivers falling foul of this regulation could receive 6 penalty points and a £200 fine, and could risk losing their licence if they passed their driving test in the last 2 years.