The complexities of GPS technology and using these devices while driving raises important questions about liability in such situations.
It’s a fact: GPS use has skyrocketed in recent years and with good reason. GPS technologies help individuals get from point A to point B more effectively and, in most cases, safely. In recent years, GPS devices have become integral to everyday navigation. But while they offer convenience, their increasing reliance poses significant risks on the road. Many drivers now prioritize GPS instructions over their own judgment, and this leads to dangerous driving habits and, in some cases, accidents.
Numerous accidents have been attributed to GPS reliance. For instance, a young New Jersey driver reportedly followed GPS directions into oncoming traffic on Route 33, causing a 4-car pile-up. Another case involved a driver who missed a critical detour sign because they were focused on their GPS, leading to a collision with an oncoming vehicle.
If you have been injured in an accident due to another driver’s over-reliance on GPS or lack of attention to the road while operating their global positioning system in New Jersey, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries. Contact the law offices of Cohen & Riechelson at (609) 528-2596 today for a free consultation to discuss your case. Below, learn why improper use of GPS while driving is dangerous, how to make your use of it safer, and the importance of exploring your legal rights and options after someone else’s negligence with a GPS caused a crash that you were involved in.
Exploring GPS Devices as Accident Contributors in NJ
The primary cause of GPS devices resulting in accidents involves their place as a distraction for drivers. First, they are visually distracting. Drivers often take their eyes off the road to glance at the GPS screen, leading to reduced awareness of their surroundings. They also cause cognitive distraction. Concentrating on GPS instructions can divert attention from crucial road conditions, such as traffic signals and pedestrians, as well as confuse drivers. Finally, they create manual distraction. Many drivers program their GPS while already on the road. This can lead to momentary lapses in attention, increasing the risk of collisions.
GPS devices also contribute to accidents by providing inaccurate or outdated information, such as directing drivers to incorrect locations or along unsafe routes. For example, there have been reports of drivers being led onto closed roads or through hazardous areas, resulting in accidents. Moreover, the lack of real-time updates means that drivers may not receive crucial information about traffic, construction, or accidents ahead.
One of the most detrimental elements of GPS overreliance, though, is that drivers blindly trust what the directions say instead of thinking and observing for themselves. Drivers zone out while following GPS instead of paying attention to critical overt and subtle signs. When drivers fail to question the GPS’s instructions, even when they seem illogical, it can lead to ignoring road signs and other important information, which increases the likelihood of accidents. Drivers have even gone into bodies of water after following word-for-word GPS instructions!
Understanding GPS Use Under New Jersey Distracted Driving Law
In New Jersey, distracted driving laws prohibit the use of handheld devices while driving. This includes programming or using GPS devices without hands-free capabilities. Violating these laws can result in fines, points on one’s driving record, and increased insurance rates. If a driver is found to be using their GPS irresponsibly at the time of an accident, they may face additional legal repercussions.
Legal Ramifications of Causing an Accident While Programming a GPS Device in NJ
If a driver causes an accident due to programming, fixing, or otherwise operating their GPS while they should have been paying attention to driving their vehicle, they could be held liable for negligence. This may lead to personal injury claims for damages from the victims. In severe cases, if recklessness is proven, criminal charges could be pursued. Ultimately, incorrectly using GPS devices can have financial and legal consequences for an individual, and that – along with one’s own safety and that of those around them – is reason enough to use GPS devices safely.
Avoiding GPS-Related Risks to Prevent Accidents
To minimize the risks associated with GPS use while driving, consider the following best practices.
- Plan your route ahead of time. Before starting your journey, take the time to plan your route using your GPS.
- Use voice guidance features. This allows you to keep your eyes on the road, minimizing visual distractions.
- Don’t set the GPS to be too loud. Ensure the GPS volume is reasonable so you can still hear important sounds from the environment.
- Stay up-to-date with software updates. Keep your GPS updated with the latest maps and software to avoid outdated information.
- Remain aware! Do not rely solely on GPS; pay attention to road signs and conditions and follow all New Jersey driving laws.
- Give yourself time. If you’re ever unsure about directions, find a safe place to stop and check your GPS or consult a physical map. Building plenty of time into your trip allows you to take all necessary measures to make sure you are safely and correctly navigating your route.
Seeking Answers After a GPS-Related Accident on NJ Roads? Cohen & Riechelson is Ready to Discuss Your Legal Options
When it comes to GPS-related accidents, you need an experienced and accomplished New Jersey accident attorney on your side. If you have been injured in a car accident in Mercer County, Middlesex County, Burlington County, and throughout New Jersey, where another driver’s GPS reliance was a factor, an attorney at Cohen & Riechelson can assist you in several ways. We’ll help to establish liability, determining whether the other driver’s GPS use constituted negligence. While you rest and recover, we’ll gather evidence, such as GPS data and eyewitness accounts, to build your case. We’ll also help you navigate your insurance claim, guiding you through the claims process and ensuring you receive fair compensation for all current and long-standing damages. And if necessary, you can count on us to represent you in court to advocate for your rights and maximum compensation in your case. Contact our law offices at (609) 528-2596 today to learn how our skilled accident lawyers can help you assess your legal options and get back to your life.
