Are GPS Navigation Systems Distracting?
Distracted Driving in Focus
New Laws Target All Distracted Driving Incidents
Source acquired via CTV, May 6, 2010, Edmonton, Alberta – Alberta has just made Bill 16 official, and drivers throughout the province are taking notice. Bill 16 prohibits driving distractions of any kind including personal grooming, reading, writing, and texting. The message that the Transportation Minister is giving Albertans is clear: “when you’re in your vehicle, your focus must be on driving.â€
While this is one of the most stringent anti-distraction laws out there, Alberta isn’t the only province considering anti-distraction laws. In fact, many of the states within the United States are currently trying to find ways to prevent drivers from texting while driving – a dangerous habit that costs many drivers their lives. Throughout the world, texting while driving has become a major issue.
On the Books, But Ignored
Even though using a cell phone while driving is illegal in many states, hundreds of motorists simply ignore these laws. Many people view anti-texting and anti-phone laws as mere annoyances, but preventing drivers from using phones while operating a vehicle is a good way to prevent unnecessary deaths. Recently, far too many drivers have wound up in fatal crashes due to illegal cell phone use. Laws such as the one Albert has just passed are created in order to save lives.
Cell phones cause plenty of unnecessary car accidents, but GPS navigation systems also cause plenty of tragic deaths. Instead of paying attention to the road, many drivers are often distracted by following a GPS navigation map. Further, attempting to adjust a GPS navigation system or select a location while driving can lead to car accidents – numerous people have been killed this year due to GPS navigation systems.
Useful Applications
In Alberta, drivers can only use GPS navigation systems if a system has been programmed before starting a vehicle. In addition a GPS system must be secured to a car, and the voice-activated mechanism must be functional. Alberta officials believe that these laws will prevent motorists from driving off the road or driving into oncoming traffic while distracted by a GPS navigation system. Some parents of teenagers are protesting this law stating that GPS navigation system is a good way for a parent to keep track of a teen.
Yet, GPS navigations systems aren’t the only type of GPS technology that can keep track of teens. Personal GPS devices such as tracking keys can also provide a parent with accurate tracking information. Laws such as Bill 16 should be considered by many states and provinces, since this type of bill may lead to more than one saved life. Violators of Bill 16 will be given a $172 traffic fine.
Tags: accidents, Bill 16, Cell Phones, distracted driving, distractions, GPS Navigation units, laws, parents, teens, Texting
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