Top Ways To Use GPS Safely On The Road

Did you know that the average attention span of humans is only 8.25 seconds, less than a goldfish? Dr. Gloria Mark explains in her book “Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness, and Productivity,” that we are increasingly finding it difficult to focus on one task. 

However, when you’re behind the wheel, you must give undivided attention to the road and the traffic.

Forbes reports that distracted driving contributes to 8% of all fatal crashes. In fact, according to NHTSA, 3,142 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2019. These statistics are sobering, with countless accidents caused by divided attention. But there’s hope. 

This blog discusses innovative techniques to ensure GPS is not your driving downfall. From strategic placement to voice commands and proactive planning, we have got you covered. It’s time to navigate precisely and prioritize safety on every road trip.

Top 7 Ways to Use GPS Safely on the Road

To use GPS safely on the road, start by preparing before you drive, setting your destination, and ensuring secure mounting of your GPS device. Prioritize a strategic positioning for optimal visibility. Plan rest stops to combat fatigue, limit interactions with the device while driving, and use voice-guided directions for added safety. Regulate background noise and consider seeking assistance from a passenger to enhance your journey’s safety and focus on the road.

Prepare before you drive

Set Your Destination: Plan your route and input your destination into your GPS device or app. This allows you to have a clear understanding of where you are headed.

 Familiarize yourself: Take a moment to review the route and directions on your GPS. Familiarity with the journey’s key points can reduce the need for constant glances at your device.

 Secure Mounting: Ensure that your GPS device is securely mounted in your vehicle. This helps keep your attention on the road and minimizes the risk of distractions.

 Choose the Right Vehicle: Consider the top safety factor while traveling, i.e., your car. Family 1st shares how to choose the safest vehicle for your teenager.

Ensure the best vision

For a safer and less distracting driving experience, ensure your GPS device is strategically positioned. Your main focus should always remain on the road ahead. Achieve this by mounting your GPS tracker at eye level on the dashboard using a compatible accessory. Placing the tracker on your lap or in a manner that diverts your attention from the road significantly increases the risk of an accident.

 Prioritizing the correct placement of your GPS device isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a proactive step to enhance safety and maintain your concentration during your journey. It multiplies your safety tenfold.

Plan rest stops

Long journeys can be exhausting, and fatigue can lead to  distracted driving. To ensure your safety and the safety of others, consider the following:

 Use GPS for Rest Stops: Your GPS can help you plan rest stops along your route. Frequent breaks can help you stay alert and focused.

 Avoid fatigue: Pay attention to your GPS alerts for rest stops or take breaks as needed. Fatigue is a significant factor in accidents.

Limit interactions while driving

While on the road, you must limit your interaction with your GPS device to prevent distractions. Here’s how you can accomplish this:

 Make pre-drive adjustments: Adjust your GPS device settings before you commence driving. This includes configuring your preferences, like choosing to avoid tolls or highways. This way, you’ll maintain your focus on the road.

 Avoid Texting or Typing: Abstain from texting or typing on your GPS while driving. If you need to make changes, locate a safe spot to pull over. It’s always safer to stop and respond in case of an emergency rather than reply while driving, putting lives at risk.

Use voice-guided directions

Choosing voice-guided directions on your GPS app revolutionizes road safety. Imagine this scenario: You are navigating a busy city, and your GPS provides turn-by-turn guidance audibly, eliminating the need to divert your attention to the screen. You maintain a laser focus on the road, ensuring a secure journey.

 Voice guidance offers a straightforward advantage: it reduces the distractions caused by frequent screen-checking for directions. This, in turn, heightens safety and provides a relaxed and stress-free driving experience. It’s a simple yet profound adjustment that can significantly enhance your time on the road and ensure safe driving.

Regulate the unnecessary noises

We know that music playing in the background is important. However, this often comes across as one of the reasons for accidents caused by distracted driving. It is all fun when we sing along to the lyrics of our favorite song at full volume with our friends and family. But this causes a problem not only for the driver but also for the other vehicles surrounding us.

 Therefore, make sure to regulate the music up and down as required in the situation. You should be able to listen to the voice command clearly and undisturbed. This means that you are driving safely and securely.

Seek Assistance

Get some assistance from your passenger. If you have a fellow traveler, let them lend a hand. When there are upcoming alerts or turns, or you need a quick gas station lookup, assign these tasks to your co-pilot. The key is to avoid making any adjustments while driving solo. If you are flying solo and there is something you need to handle on the GPS, make sure to pull over safely. This way, you can ensure your safety as well as the safety of everyone else on the road. Remember, it’s always better to share the load or take a break for the sake of safe travel.

Why Do You Need GPS While Traveling?

The answer is simple: to have a reliable companion while traveling peacefully. Before discussing the top ways to use GPS safely on the road, let’s talk about why we even need GPS while traveling. Is it because we are not capable of taking care of ourselves? Well, not really. The main reason is to have that extra burden of ours laid off and ensure extra safety to not miss a smile ever.

To secure our luggage

We may use the GPS tracker to secure our luggage while traveling, which is a crucial aspect as we often tend to forget our luggage in taxis and airports. As travel freaks, we surely feel much more relieved now after using Family1st safe GPS tracking to secure our luggage.

To Find Your Way Quickly

GPS is your trusted guide when you are exploring new places. No more fumbling with paper maps or asking for directions. With GPS, you get to your destination faster, leaving you more time to enjoy your travels.

For added safety

Having GPS isn’t a sign of incapability; it’s about extra security. You can share your location with loved ones, so they know you are safe. Parents are often worried about the whereabouts of their teenagers, and safe GPS tracking ensures that their location can easily be traced whenever needed.

For Efficient Route Planning

The more time you invest in finding the location, the more frustration. Hence, a GPS tracker helps you save time and energy. It provides a way to plan your routes efficiently so that our worst enemy, traffic, is kept out of sight at all times. It provides a real-time analysis of the best route to reach a destination.

Your safety is our priority

At Family1st, we are committed to constantly guiding our readers and ensuring their safety. Your safety is our priority. Hence, we shared our outlook on how mastering the art of using GPS safely on the road is not just a practical skill; it’s a gateway to a more secure and enjoyable journey. Just imagine you are on a long-distance trip, with the sun setting on the horizon and your GPS calmly guiding you through a network of unfamiliar roads. Thanks to responsible GPS usage, you are not only on track but also making unforgettable memories.

 Consider this: There’s an avid traveler who once, like many of us, had a close call while fumbling with his GPS. One evening, he decided to make a change. He chose voice-guided directions, allowing his GPS to speak to him. No more screen glances, no more missed turns. He realized that this small shift transformed his drives into peaceful and accident-free adventures.

Conclusion

Throughout this journey, we have explored the fundamental strategies that can make a substantial difference in your road experience. We have learned that mounting your GPS device at eye level, opting for voice-guided directions, and limiting interactions while driving are all pivotal steps toward ensuring your safety.

 It’s these practical steps, like those shared today, that can make a world of difference. As you take the wheel, remember that GPS is not just a tool; it’s your silent co-pilot, there to ensure you reach your destination safely and enjoy the journey to the fullest.

 So, embrace the tips, prioritize safety, and let your GPS be your guide to safer, more enjoyable travels. Whether it’s a short commute or an epic road trip, may every adventure be memorable for all the right reasons. Ensure safe GPS tracking with the Family1st GPS tracker.