Navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze have become ubiquitous in cars across the United States, providing drivers with turn-by-turn directions to get them from point A to point B. While these apps provide convenience and can help drivers navigate unfamiliar areas, they are not foolproof. GPS errors and flaws in navigation apps have been linked to an increasing number of car crashes in Alabama in recent years.
GPS Accuracy Issues Lead Drivers Astray
Global Positioning System (GPS) technology uses satellites to pinpoint a receiver’s location on earth. While GPS can provide location information within several meters of accuracy under good conditions, various factors can introduce errors that throw off GPS accuracy. Buildings, tunnels, dense tree cover, tall vehicles, and even weather conditions can interfere with satellite signals and cause GPS deviations.
In Alabama, there are many rural areas with limited satellite access. Hills and valleys across the state can block satellite signals, leading to larger GPS errors. Even in urban areas, GPS errors from interference can be over 20 meters in some cases. When drivers blindly follow faulty GPS guidance, it can lead them into dangerous situations.
There have been multiple incidents reported of drivers in Alabama crashing into ponds, ending up on boat ramps into rivers, and becoming stuck on unpaved remote roads – all by following GPS guidance. Satellite interference caused GPS to incorrectly identify routes, leading drivers astray. While drivers should use caution when following GPS guidance, many overly rely on the technology and end up in trouble.
Out-of-Date Maps in Navigation Apps
Navigation devices like TomTom sat-nav use GPS alongside preloaded maps to provide turn-by-turn guidance. While the apps may utilize real-time GPS positioning, the maps on a GPS device can often be out of date. Apps usually update their maps regularly, but if you own a sat-nav device like a Garmin, you need to regularly update the maps, or recent road changes may not be reflected.
This issue is particularly pertinent in Alabama, where the state Department of Transportation is constantly implementing new construction and road projects. With frequent ramp and intersection modifications, road closures, and detours, navigation app maps often don’t capture these real-time changes.
There are dozens of reported cases over the past few years of drivers in Alabama crashing due to following outdated navigation app maps. Drivers are led into barricaded road sections under construction or directed to take exits and ramps that no longer exist. Relying blindly on navigation apps when road conditions are rapidly changing can be disastrous.
The Dangers of Distracted Driving
Besides GPS and mapping errors, the biggest risk with navigation apps is distracted driving they cause. Trying to manipulate apps while driving distracts attention from the roadway and slows response times to hazards and traffic conditions.
Studies show that distracted driving due to mobile phone use leads to many car crashes annually, with 3,308 deaths in 2022. With navigation apps on phones being actively used during drives, they contribute to distracted driving dangers.
Fatal crashes in Alabama due to distracted driving rose from 2019 to 2020. There are likely many more minor crashes caused by distracted driving that go unreported or don’t involve law enforcement. Manipulating navigation apps while driving, even at stop lights, diverts attention and increases crash risks.
Best Practices for Drivers
To reduce navigation app-related crashes in Alabama, drivers should follow certain best practices:
- Be aware of GPS accuracy limits, especially in areas with high interference. Use vision and judgment to confirm routes.
- Cross-reference navigation apps with actual road signs and conditions. Apps may have outdated maps.
- Only manipulate navigation apps when safely stopped. Pull over if you need to change routes.
- Enable voice-guided navigation to reduce eyes off the road. But still maintain situational awareness.
- Know where you are going ahead of time using apps. Don’t program them mid-drive.
- Treat navigation guidance as only a general aid. Pay attention to real-time road conditions first and foremost.
With some caution and common sense, navigation apps can still be used safely. But blind faith in their guidance can lead drivers into dangerous situations, contributing to Alabama’s car crash rates. Drivers need to maintain focus on actual driving conditions rather than just following directions from a phone.
If you are involved in an accident but there were other factors, such as a speeding or drunk driver, contact a car accident lawyer from Monge & Associates.
We have offices in 32 locations and 19 states, including Alabama, Arizona, and Kansas.
Call now for a free consultation on (888) 477-0597.