GPS: No Substitute For Brains

By John

Editor

Editorial is split on GPS systems�Jen even returned the unit she got for Christmas�but I dig them. I like how they’ll compute average speed and distance traveled, and it’s cool to set them to talk like a foxy English chick. But while the new systems are really accurate, they aren’t autopilot devices, and they will expect you pay attention to the road. Unfortunately, California computer consultant Bai Bo was mistaken about the capabilities of his GPS, and followed its directions straight into the path of a speeding locomotive. Bo’s car was destroyed in the subsequent collision, but he did manage to escape with his life. The state of his pride has not be released.

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Posted at 11:40 pm in California, John Coyle

Comments

sicko
Jan 10, 2008 at 6:18 pm

how the fuck can u say that he escaped with his life when theres a yellow plastic covering up the dead body!!

Highspeedhijinks
Jan 4, 2008 at 7:47 pm

He traded in one crutch for two. If you catch my drift.

kap0w
Jan 4, 2008 at 4:42 pm

I love my GPS and it really frees me up to drive into places I have no idea how to get out of. Having said that, it’s not the easiest thing to use and you’ve got to get good at learning it’s quirks. Mine always says “make a u-turn, IF POSSIBLE” – I like the built in warning there.

NeilG
Jan 4, 2008 at 3:33 pm

I wonder how many other accidents like this have happened with GPS’ and technology similar to it. And if this self-driving thing catches on.. imagine the outcome of situations like this.

(here’s a top gear clip of the BMW driving itself
http://video.cardomain.com/Clip.aspx?key=CEA9E39C83B73F82)

Ted
Jan 4, 2008 at 3:40 am

I think there are variables that determine if a driver is in danger using a GPS.
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Is the driver paying too much attention to the screen while the car is in motion?
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Is the screen located in a manner as to not block critical line-of-sight, YET not located away from he driver’s eyes-forward field of view?
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Does the driver attempt operating the GPS while operating the car?
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I positioned mine next to the driver’s side A-pillar. IT’s easily reached, easily seen at a comfortable viewing distance, its screen isn’t HUGE like some of the expensive new ones. If I need a clue when I’m approaching a complicated turn, I’ll quickly glance at the screen unless traffic dictates otherwise, generally the VOICE is all that is needed.
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One last point is that it’s OK to miss a turn. All GPS devices recalculate routes automatically.
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retroman
Jan 4, 2008 at 1:52 am

This goes down with the myth that when cruise control was new, some idiot set it on his camper and tried to take a nap. LOL!!! Glad the guy got out with his life though.

Stewart
Jan 4, 2008 at 12:56 am

This has GPS:

Got Poopy Shorts

or his

Shorts Got Pretty Shitty.

Sorry guys…

Trevor Johnson
Jan 4, 2008 at 12:23 am

“The state of his pride has not be released.” … HAHA! thats great… I know I sure dig GPS systems too, mostly because i do a lot of random road trips with my friends… and it helps that one of them have a system and know how to get back home when its all said and done… P.S. Jen, you know you could have just sent that system this way right? I’m a little lost in life and could use some good direction