NationStates Jolt Archive

I do and I think it is one of the best things since peanut butter. However, you do have to use common sense. First of all you need to make sure you program the unit correctly. Secondly, you need to realize your map may not be up to date and some roads may not be in its database.

Some of these people were idiots.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061222/od_nm/germany_satnav_dc_2
BERLIN, Dec 22 (Reuters Life!) - Motorists who seem to turn off their brain when switching on their car's satellite navigation system have had a number of spectacular crashes in the past year -- but occasionally they're right to blame the machine.
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Drivers obeying directions given by a sultry satnav voice have crashed into rivers, construction sites and roadside toilets in Germany, and had similar accidents in Britain.

I read this article on Reuters. Seems only to be a few idiots who shut down their higher brain functions in the presence of a in-vehicle SATNAV. There are far more number of units out there than there were accidents.

What I really look forward to is a GPS system which was designed primarily for civilian use. The NAVSTAR system, which is US owned, was developed for mainly military usage.

I insist that drivers should be tested regularly for proficiency like airplane pilots are.

No need for one. I can find my way around easily enough. If I ever actually need directions, I can either Maq Quest it and/or ask someone.

I've got a paper-based navigation system in my car. Works like a charm.

Me? I don't own a car because Ohio State is a real (expensive) hassle to drive around and park in. My dad owns a TomTom, though, and it works very well.

Hell no. I don't even have power steering or a right side mirror.

Nah I don't have any in-car GPS/satnav. I don't want the Gov to have it so totally easy if they want to find out where I'm driving to. I figure they should at least have to do some work when they get too nosy, not just scan for the signal! :p