Satellite navigation devices, the ubiquitous GPS interfaces that many have in their cars, are, it seems, the cause for more than their fair share of accidents and risky driving practices in the UK.
With half of the driving population in the UK having access to one of these devices in their vehicles it shows a significant market penetration for quite a young technology. While the ratio of accidents to the number of devices in use is quite low, and there is no indication of the timeframe that those accidents took place over, it is approximately twice the number of accidents in the UK that lead to personal injury in 2007 (300,000 sat nav accidents versus 182,115 accidents causing injury). It does suggest that drivers with sat nav devices are more likely to find themselves in a minor accident or carry out risky driving practices (1.5 million saying they engaged in sudden manoeuvring, and 5 million having gone against the flow of traffic). When this is considered against a driving population of 14 million with these devices, it makes for a scary statistic - having sat nav devices makes you more likely to drive poorly.
GPS devices fall into the same category as any other in-vehicle distraction, such as kids, mobile phones, passengers, or the radio. It might also be the reason why a number of road safety campaigns have focussed on 'Good Drivers Just Drive' as their key message.
The fact that the survey was sponsored by an insurance company almost guarantees that the figures returned will show sat nav devices in a poor light. Whether the use of sat nav devices has contributed to the overall decline in road fatalities and serious injuries as shown in the Department for Transport link is not known, but it would make for an interesting study and would provide a valuable comparison point.
Does it reduce the risk for serious accidents and injuries by allowing drivers to pre-plan their trips, take alternate routes with lighter traffic loads, or just focus on driving and following the instructions of the GPS (when it gets it right), noting the increased level of risky behaviour reflected in the insurance company's survey?
Read up on the latest ideas and technologies from companies that sell hardware, software and services. Zones provide focussed content from Computerworld and leading technology partners.
D-Link Australia & New Zealand
D-Link is the global leader in connectivity for small, medium and large enterprise business networking. The company is an award-winning designer, developer and manufacturer of networking, broadband, digital electronics, voice and video communication.
To Find out more about D-Link solutions visit www.dlink.com.au
D-Link Australia & New Zealand
Featured Products
-
IP BASED PHONE SYSTEM
D-Link VoiceCenter
D-Link VoiceCenter is an IP based phone system designed to meet the needs of small businesses. D-Link have solely partnered with Microsoft to package Microsoft’s Response Point software to bring you VoiceCenter. For more info on VoiceCenter's products and events please visit: http://voicecenter.dlink.com.au -
AWARD WINNING STORAGE
DNS-343 4-Bay NAS Enclosure
D-Links new 4-bay network attached storage enclosure has just received ZDNet's Editor's Choice award and a rating of 9 out of 10 by Craig Simms from CNET See the review here. The DNS-343 release followed the great success of its smaller sibling the 2-bay DNS-323. Targeted at both the home IT enthusiast and commercial users needing a flexible storage solution the DNS-343 is showing good market performance. -
EVERY BUSINESS NEEDS ONE
DSA-3600 Multi-Service Gateway
Any business that’s serious about networking must consider installing this gateway. Feature rich the DSA-3600 multi-service business gateway is a complete network solution that delivers reliable and cost-effective services to SMB and enterprise branch offices. Perfect for setting up a commercial grade wireless connection for the office the unit is simple and easy to manage. -
WI-FI FOR MOBILE WORK SITES
DIR-451 Mobile 3G Router
Perfect for mobile and temporary work-sites the mobile 3G router quickly and easily can connect your site back to the office. Recently the United States Air Force has used D-Link Mobile 3G routers on its remote base camps to connect soldiers with other Air Force departments, local agencies, friends and families. To see the complete case study click here.
New Products
-
XTREME
N DUO ROUTER -
DIR-855
The highly anticipated simultaneous broadcasting dual band wireless N router has arrived. The DIR-855 is set to make massive waves and take home/SOHO wireless networking to a new generation. Unlike other networking manufacturers who promote dual band the new DIR-855 will provide users simultaneous dual band wireless networks, opening up another range of opportunities for wireless networking. - DUAL BAND USB ADAPTER
DWA-160 Xtreme N USB Wi-Fi
The new dual band wireless N USB adapter is ideal for simultaneous dual band environments. For example in apartment buildings where there are heavily congested 2.4GHz Wi-Fi or at the home stream HD video over the network and making VoIP calls at the same time.
Coming Soon
-
WI-FI ACCESS POINT/BRIDGE
DAP-1522 Xtreme N Duo
A new addition to the Xtreme N family this wireless N access point/bridge effectively doubles available wireless bandwidth. Designed for users looking to get a true wireless connection that can handle multiple High-Definition video streaming throughout the house it can take the home network to a new level. - GOT NAKED DSL
DVA-G3670B ADSL2+ Wireless G VoIP Modem Router
Naked DSL customers now have the perfect feature rich product solution the DVA-G3670B to take advantage of naked DSL features. This ADSL2+ (naked DSL compatible) modem Wireless G router comes with 2 VoIP phone connections and is ideal for the growing market who don't want to pay the unnecessary line rental fee. Ultimately this unit is an ideal all-in-one home network solution and even SOHO small business solution.
Download
- Product Selection Guide Issue 3, 08 (3.2MB PDF)
- D-Lifestyle Magazine Issue 12 (2MB PDF)
- D-Link Power Up Your Business Poster (1.7MB PDF)
Case Studies
- DIR-451 Mobile 3G Router - United States Air Force Case Study (104K PDF)
- IP Based Surveillance - Minneapolis Airport Hangar Case Study (180K PDF)
- Commercial Grade Wireless - Four Points Sheraton Hotel Case Study (300K PDF)
- Business Class Switching - Microsoft Campus Case Study (800K PDF)
- High Bandwidth Networking Solution - Team Emirates New Zealand Case Study (751K PDF)
Whitepapers
D-Link TV
Watch videos about D-Link products and much morehttp://www.dlinktv.com
D-Link Training
Find out more about D-Link products trainings and certification programhttp://training.dlink.com.au
Buying Guides
