SGIC Announce South Australian Drivers in GPS Distress

Adelaide, SA (PRWEB) December 25, 2009 -- As we head into the Christmas road trip season, SGIC Car Insurance (http://www.sgic.com.au/car-insurance/index.shtml) is encouraging drivers not to get frazzled with their GPS, after research revealed that two thirds of SA drivers blame the technology for getting them lost*.

SGIC spokesperson Emily Gatt said that GPS technology itself was less to blame than its hot-headed users.

"Having a GPS can be a real comfort when you're in an area you're not familiar with, and is far safer than juggling a traditional road map while driving," said Ms Gatt.

"As we know, technology isn't always a hundred per cent accurate, but rather than pulling over and calmly reprogramming our GPS, we're finding that a third of us are getting into a frazzle and having an argument with our passengers!"

Ms Gatt said that these 'carguments' could have something to do with our inability to trust technology.

"Almost half of drivers don't feel they can trust their GPS to give them accurate directions," said Ms Gatt.

"Whether this feeling is justified, or whether people simply think they know better than their GPS, is unknown.

"What we do know is that the features of your car should never compromise safe driving habits, and if you lose concentration while behind the wheel, even if it's only for a second, the consequences can be serious."

Ms Gatt advised drivers to avoid dangerous situations by resisting the urge to reprogram their GPS while driving.

"With so many of us hitting the road over the Christmas break, we're reminding drivers that if you think your GPS is giving you the wrong directions, pull over in a safe place before reprogramming it," said Ms Gatt.

"And if you know you're prone to GPS distress, maybe it's a good idea to take along a traditional road map as back up."

*Based on attitudinal research carried out by Pure Profile in September 2009

About SGIC

SGIO is a provider of Travel Insurance, Home Insurance, Motorcycle Insurance, Car Insurance (http://www.sgic.com.au/car-insurance/index.shtml) and more in South Australia.

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