Sat nav usage in logistics vehicles 'may be unsafe'
Date: 14 September 2007
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A new survey suggests that using satellite navigation systems in freight haulage vehicles may be unsafe.
The study, conducted in Sweden, concluded that a driver's control of his or her vehicle deteriorates significantly when an In Vehicle Information System (IVIS), such as sat nav, is used, Commercial Motor reports.
This proves that reading a sat nav system is as dangerous as using a mobile phone, which is widely recognised to impede the driver's attention.
Road safety campaigners Brake have called for a compulsory licence to be introduced for the use of sat navs, with only those without screens allowed, as these can distract the driver.
However, James Hookham of the Freight Transport Association believes this is a step too far.
"I think that's a bit of overkill," he said. "I don't quite understand the logic of that. So you can't look at your speedometer, then?
"If you think you are going to be distracted, you should stop. I don't think the advancement of technology in goods vehicles should be halted just because drivers should engage their brains."
Other problems reported with sat navs include freight haulage drivers being led down roads that are too small for their trucks and becoming stuck.
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