The technological complexity of satnav systems is leading to an increased risk of accidents on UK roads, it has been claimed.
According to the Press Association, more than one-third of satnav users said the devices caused them uncertainty or confusion, while 11 per cent believe they can lead to a loss of concentration while at the wheel.
Ten per cent of drivers also admitted they had made a dangerous, late or illegal turn, due to their satnavs.
Maggie Game, head of car insurance firm Direct Line, commented: "Motorists need to realise that while satnavs are a helpful navigation tool, drivers should not follow their instructions to the detriment of road safety."
She added: "If a satnav system gives you an instruction which is likely to endanger other road users, you should ignore it."
PC Advisor reports that with 14 million UK drivers now using satnav systems, they could be responsible for up to 30,000 accidents every year.
Child seats ‘must be replaced’ after accidents
June 30th, 2008Child safety seats must be replaced following a car accident, it has been claimed.
Research by Direct Line found that a quarter of parents with children between the ages of three and 12 do not use a child seat at all.
A fifth of those surveyed said they did not believe that a child seat needed to be replaced after a low-speed collision.
By law, child seats are required until the child is either 135 centimetres tall or reaches the age of 12.
Every year, around 30 children aged 11 or under are killed while travelling in cars, while around 400 are injured.
Many deaths could be prevented simply by installing a child seat in the vehicle.
Maggie Game, head of car insurance at Direct Lines commented: "What might seem like a minor accident can undermine your child’s safety if you are involved in a subsequent collision."
According to the most recent findings by the department for transport, there were 258,404 casualties on British roads in 2006.
