We all know that GPS devices represent some of the most cutting-edge car technology out there, at least as far as driver navigation is concerned. Having a map of the world that fits in a small space right on the windshield can be a great advantage if you've never been to a particular city before. But just because this technology is great doesn't mean that it's always error-free.
If you're considering purchasing a GPS device, it will help to know their faults so that you don't make the mistakes that others have made. So what are the types of errors you might expect with a GPS device? Well, we don't know if these are the errors you'll see, but here are three mistakes that have been problems in the past.
1. Failing to understand weather and conditions.
Take a look at this couple, who got stuck in the snow when their GPS device sent them down a secluded road. Remember that while your GPS might know which roads go where, it doesn't necessarily know the conditions of those roads. If you're traveling in a storm or just after a storm - including winter storms and snowfalls - then it will help to integrate your common sense with your navigating.
2. Disobeying laws.
We see that some people are working on GPS devices that actually help immigrants break laws and immigrate illegally, so it's important to keep in mind that a GPS devices' advice might not always be the best when it comes to the law. It might be tempting to speed up your "expected arrival time" by cruising on the freeway, but that doesn't mean you should be endangering other drivers.
3. Taking you to the wrong destination the right way.
This one is probably better attributed to human error, but it's an important one to keep in mind. If you enter in a specific street but not a specific house address into your "destination," you may find that when you get closer to the destination house, the GPS doesn't help you very much. That's because it's taking you to a different destination than the one you really want it to take you to. In this case, the GPS is just doing a good job of taking you the right way to the wrong place. It's another reason to integrate your own navigation experience and common sense with the advice from the GPS.