More and more people are using Sat Nav to get around these days; here's how you can make the most of yours.
Using your Sat Nav safely
SatNav can help you be a safer driver by allowing you to keep your eyes on the road but there are some common-sense tips to help keep you safe.
Take time to get to know the features and operating instructions for your Sat Nav so that you can enjoy all the benefits of using it.
Get used to listening to the spoken instructions for guidance, rather than looking at the display. Your eyes need to be on the road as much as possible.
Ensure that your vision is not impaired by the location of the Sat Nav or its cradle and that it is mounted securely, away from the vehicle controls and airbags.
Key in your destination and preferences before departing. Do not operate your Sat Nav whilst driving; if you need to reprogram your Sat Nav or change the settings pull over in a safe place.
Always adhere to roadsigns no matter what your sat nav directs you to do. In particular roads with height and weight restrictions, low bridges, and tight bends. If a road looks too narrow take an alternative road, your sat nav will be able to re-direct you.
Keeping your Sat Nav secure
The popularity of Sat Nav systems has unfortunately been matched by a rise in the number of them being stolen from cars. You can reduce your chances of losing your Sat Nav to a thief by following these steps.
When leaving your car always remove the Sat Nav and its cradle from the car. Don't lock them away in your glove box because this is the first place a thief will look.
Alternatively, invest in an in-car safe which can keep all your valuables secure within your car. Make sure that it has been Thatcham approved.
Try not to programme your 'home' details into the Sat Nav. If your car was broken into and these details found, the car thief would also know where you live and how to get there.
Use a cloth to remove the suction marks from the screen. These are a tell-tale sign to a thief that your Sat Nav may be hidden in your car.
Mark your Sat Nav with your postcode using an ultra-violet pen. Register it on www.immobilise.com so that the police can trace it back to you.
Park in well-lit car parks which are part of the police-approved Safe Parking Scheme.
Don't be complacent when parking outside your home; this is where 63% of thefts from cars occur. (source: www.lancashire.police.uk)
