Is a sat nav better than using a smartphone?
Almost all smartphones produced today come equipped with apps that offer mapping features, traffic updates and re-routing suggestions. With that in mind, why is a dedicated sat nav a better option than a mobile phone?
Firstly, unlike many phone apps, dedicated sat navs don't rely on mobile data. Instead, they use GPS signalling, meaning that you don't need to worry about your data connection disappearing or your monthly mobile data allowance running out. Plus, if you're driving abroad, the fees could get very high if you're using mobile apps like Google or Apple Maps, where map imagery is downloaded constantly as you make your journey.
Then there's the legal aspect. Just touching your mobile phone while driving a vehicle (even when sat in stationary traffic) can land you with a £60 fine and three penalty points, or a whopping £1,000 fine and instant disqualification if your case goes to court. With a sat nav, you won't be tempted to glance at that text message or try and make a call. You'll also save your mobile battery, and the map and instructions won't disappear from the screen if someone calls you!
On top of this, sat navs offer a range of features that mobiles simply aren't able to match. From traffic updates to driver alerts, sat navs have been developed by driving experts for drivers, rather than by developers who want to create a handy app that complements the rest of the features found on a smartphone.
You also won't suffer from the annoying quirks that plague smartphone navigation apps, such as the map disappearing if you accidentally swipe the screen, the screen automatically dimming if it hasn't been touched for a while, notifications blocking the map and the little blue navigation icon refusing to point in the right direction, forcing you to swish your phone around in the air to recalibrate it!