Driving while using Google Maps on the Iphone is dangerous

[Hutch1]

I used Maps to find somwhere I had never been before the other day and although it did get me there, I have to say I almost had a serious accident.


When you are speeding along a motor way at 100Km trying to centre the screen or press the little arrow to the next part of the directions it is just asking to have accident.

This application which comes with the iphone should have a warning.

To me apple are being irresponsible NOT allowing voice prompts which are really the only safe method.

It is far far worse than drink driving or talking on the phone and these are banned.

Yes there should be a warning for people that stupid. Something like DIMWIT DON"T PLAY WITH THE PHONE WHILE DRIVING, but then you might get in an accident while reading the warning, don't forget your coffee is hot and don't use the microwave oven in the bathtub.

I really can't believe someone would be that stupid to relate his own stupidity on a forum.

 

[O2-guy]

The Maps application is simply not for use when driving and I really find it hard to believe anybody would think it is.

This is Apple's position on it:

"Do not use maps, directions, or location-based applications while performing activities that require your full attention."

Source: http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/iPhone_3G_Important_Product_Information_Guide.pdf

 

[R1PPER]

Oh...so using Apple maps is stupid. Is't it exactly the same as using a real map. And is using a real map in a car stupid. This thred is stupid. Soon we wont be able to go anywhere we haven't been unless we use a government sanctioned SAT NAV.

 

[maestro55]

Umm... It is very silly that everytime I turn on my GPS in the car it gives me a warning not to be interacting with it by driving. Well of course, if I am sitting there pressing buttons on my GPS and not paying attention to the rode I am putting myself (and any passengers and other drivers on the road) at risk.

Apparently some people just don't get it (that is why we have so many people who drive and chat on their cell phone and or do their makeup or whatever).

 

[eplchamps0304]

I once hit a stray because I was looking at the iphone following the blue dot.

 

[eplchamps0304]

You just need to glance at the iPhone, not look at it for long. Don't you glance at the rearview mirror and speedometer when you are driving? Or is that dangerous too?

Are you serious? Looking in the mirror aids safe driving "Homer", looking at your phone does not.

 

[ajones46]

This sounds like another example of how NOT to take responsibility for your own actions, like that dumb ass Dustin Dibble. For those that don't know, he was drunk, fell over train tracks, had his leg severed, and was then awarded 2.33 million for it. His lawyer said that it was the fault of the train conductor for not stopping (keep in mind that it takes a couple miles for a train to come to a complete stop). Use your head, you should at least look at the entire trip on maps, before going into it blindly, that way, all you need is a quick glance.

 

[craig1410]

Yes I will.

I agree I was stupid,

I was stupid to use something on my iphone which apple has provided for this purpose.

Hi,
Any time I use my iPhone for navigation while driving I just input the route (before I set off) and as another poster said, just press the "follow" button in the bottom left of the screen and just make sure I stay on the purple road. This means my iPhone doesn't go to sleep as I find it does when in turn by turn mode, and I don't need to touch the phone again until I arrive at my destination. I've used this many times and I would say my driving is safer as a result of knowing where I am going and not having to worry so much about reading all the route signs and getting in the correct lane at the last moment.

My iPhone is held in a cradle as well by the way.

Regards,
Craig.

 

[craig1410]

Are you serious? Looking in the mirror aids safe driving "Homer", looking at your phone does not.

If you are not able to scan over your instruments every few seconds or tens of seconds without losing awareness of the road ahead then maybe you'd be safer walking...

Seriously, when you first start driving you have to consciously change gears, watch the speedometer and activate controls but once you have been driving for a while you push such tasks into your sub-conscious and concentrate on overseeing or managing the drive.

To me it is the same with the instruments on my car and such things as navigation systems, mirrors, controls etc. I am aware of them and respond quickly to anything out of the ordinary but they don't slow my responses to the proverbial child (or dog) stepping off the pavement ahead.

How many of us have our eyes glued to the speedometer as we drive through an accident blackspot marked out with a luminous speed camera? Wouldn't it be better if we were watching the road? Much more dangerous in my opinion than a quick glance at an iPhone's blue dot to confirm we are still following the purple route.

Craig.