Poll: Are satnavs more of a hindrance than a help?
As many as 15 per cent of drivers who use satnav admit making illegal or risky manoeuvres to correct mistakes when following instructions, according to a survey.
And 7pc have had a near miss because they were distracted by satnav, the poll by road safety charity Brake and insurance company Direct Line found.
Based on responses by 1,000 drivers, the survey also showed that 7pc had had a near miss after taking their eyes off the road to adjust their in-car entertainment system.
Taking all possible causes, as many as 60pc said they had been distracted, with 12pc not paying enough attention due to being distracted by passengers and 6pc put off by children in the back.
A total of 11pc of 18 to 24-year-olds were distracted by satnav or by adjusting their stereo, with drivers aged 55 or more the least likely to be inattentive.
Brake deputy chief executive Julie Townsend said: "Satnavs have revolutionised the way many of us drive, helping us get from A to B without worrying about navigation, and there are indications they can make you safer.
"However, there are potential pitfalls to be wary of that can pose a real danger to yourself and other road users.
"For many drivers there is an increasing array of technological temptations that can pose a deadly distraction."
Rob Miles, director of motor at Direct Line, said: "Looking at the satnav while your eyes are meant to be on the road is no different from trying to drive with a map in front of you. It's dangerous, and you shouldn't do it."
