Observation and Sat Nav

[jeremyc]

I'm sure most of us would agree that a large part of skillful advanced driving is down to observation and being able to anticipate conditions ahead (and safely react appropriately to them).

I have a sat nav unit that provides a very good '3D' view of the route ahead which I find provides useful information as to upcoming junctions and hazards, as well as giving an indication of the road direction (bends, straights etc.) which is useful in planning overtakes.

Whilst it is important that everyone learns the necessary observational skills without the assistance of electronic aids (since sat nav isn't guaranteed to be present), does anyone know what the view of the advanced driving organisations in the use of sat nav as means to increasing the amount of information available with regards to the road ahead? What would be the attitude towards using the information during an observed drive and/or test?

My opinion is that an advanced driver will use all available cues and clues to create a picture of the driving environment, so if a sat nav screen provides more information (and it can be viewed safely) then it should be used.

Opinions?

[jeremyc]

volvos70t5 said:

What happens when you jump out of car 1 and into car 2 and suddenly yuor driver aids aren't available? It might be better to concentrate on the core areas without relying too heavily, if at all, on such aids. Just my 2p.

I agree wholeheartedly with you; I was more interested in the attitude to supplementing the core observation areas with the information from sat nav.