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Safe GPS
I can't believe all these drivers who blindly follow their GPS devices and get into accidents. Apparently this is a real problem in Germany and Britain, where people tend to follow the instructions of their GPS (or satnav) device without using their own eyes or a lick of common sense, and end up crashing into piles of debris from construction sites, public toilets, etc.
The thing about these devices is that, while they can get frequently updated real-time data on your position (assuming there are enough satellites around), they can't do that with map data. The map data in your GPS comes from a disc or a download, not the satellites, and you have to obtain (often for a considerable fee) new maps to keep your device up-to-date. Your device probably doesn't know there's construction on the road you're taking, because that little detail isn't in its map data.
My dad has one of these GPS devices, which we found very useful on our recent trip to Florida - but it thought that the assisted living community where my grandparents lived was actually a swamp, because its data was a few years out of date. Until GPS devices can find new map data as easily as they can find your position on said map, I'd advise you to plan your trip in advance with an old-fashioned printed map. And, always, use your own senses, especially your common one.
The thing about these devices is that, while they can get frequently updated real-time data on your position (assuming there are enough satellites around), they can't do that with map data. The map data in your GPS comes from a disc or a download, not the satellites, and you have to obtain (often for a considerable fee) new maps to keep your device up-to-date. Your device probably doesn't know there's construction on the road you're taking, because that little detail isn't in its map data.
My dad has one of these GPS devices, which we found very useful on our recent trip to Florida - but it thought that the assisted living community where my grandparents lived was actually a swamp, because its data was a few years out of date. Until GPS devices can find new map data as easily as they can find your position on said map, I'd advise you to plan your trip in advance with an old-fashioned printed map. And, always, use your own senses, especially your common one.