Dying by GPS: Examine finds blindly following navigation could be deadly

Scientists from the USA and Bremen have investigated how and why folks undergo “dying by GPS”–and what this really means. Finally, the research goals to make navigation methods safer and assist forestall such tragedies.

Basic examples of deaths brought on by GPS embrace vacationers who stubbornly comply with the directions of their navigation system and find yourself falling into the ocean or dying of thirst within the desert–therefore the nickname “dying by GPS.” It’s additionally price noting that navigation usually depends not solely on GPS indicators but in addition on different providers, together with WLAN.

Navigation gadgets could cause accidents just by distracting the driving force. In a single case, a driver ran over a bicycle owner whereas zooming in on the GPS map. Incorrect or misunderstood navigation directions can result in collisions with different automobiles, pedestrians, or cyclists.

Surprisingly, researchers discovered many circumstances by which drivers adopted their GPS and ended up on the incorrect aspect of the highway. In a single occasion, the particular person drove about 29 miles on incorrect aspect of the highway as a result of they blindly adopted their system.

Issues additionally come up when the GPS doesn’t account for the car’s capabilities. For instance, an off-road car may deal with a tough shortcut, whereas sports activities automobiles get caught. Climate additionally performs a key function in navigation security, researchers discovered.

The research recognized 52 fatalities and quite a few severe accidents, although greater than half of the accidents didn’t end in a dying.

Take the time to learn the research abstract earlier than setting off in your subsequent journey with a navigation system.