Navigation apps are a great invention. Directions are available in seconds so you can choose your preferred route. Plenty of people have never experienced the inconvenience of mapping a route on a real, live paper map or printing directions to clumsily follow while driving. Navigation apps have made these methods obsolete but, unfortunately, they have made the likelihood of car accidents that much greater.
Though incredibly helpful, using a navigation app increases your risk of a car accident. These sophisticated GPS programs are, simply enough, a big cause of distracted driving. Navigation apps are just as much of a distraction as any other app or capability your phone has because they require multitasking. And no one is good at doing more than one thing at a time, especially when one of those things is driving.
You can take advantage of technology, but you take a risk of being involved in a distracted driving accident at the same time. Here’s why:
1. You look away from the road more than you think.
You may argue that a navigation app isn’t distracting because the voice feature provides turn-by-turn navigation. This is a critical element of a map app, but it’s not foolproof. You’ll still feel the pull to look at the screen, to see what’s coming next, to make sure you’re not missing the turn in 900… 500… 100 feet. The app has more of your attention than the road, voice commands or not.
2. You can get lost in the details.
Even if you aren’t a cartography buff, reading a map can be fascinating, whether you’re in a familiar or unfamiliar area. If you’re too busy looking to see what’s next or read what landmarks or streets are nearby, your mind and your eyes are not fully on the road.
3. There are too many options.
Unless you’re on a country road, chances are you can get from Point A to Point B in several different ways. The best time to choose your route is before you turn on your vehicle. Deciding to switch things up as you’re on the road means your mind and hands are off the road and on your phone.
4. It’s a social feeding ground at a bad time.
Waze is a social network of sorts. You can add your friends to your Waze and see their timetables so you can travel “together.” Focusing on who’s getting there faster or how close you are to each other? Major distraction.
The folks who live by this crowdsourcing app work together, adding information about traffic jams, accidents, road closures, speed cameras, police waiting to catch a lead-footed motorist, and even DUI checkpoints. Entering information into the app while driving just to let other people know that traffic is slow for a minute or two? Major risk of a car accident.
Navigate Carefully to Avoid a Michigan Car Accident
Rely on yourself, your own eyes, your own driving skills. Drive defensively and be smart. Put your phone away. If necessary, have a navigator ride shotgun so they can tell you what turn is coming next. If you’re involved in a distracted driving car accident in Michigan, contact Thurswell Law for a free consultation with lawyer. We do not charge any fees unless you collect. Call (248) 354-2222 today to schedule your consultation.
