Negligent Use of Navigation Systems Can Cause Accidents
It is not uncommon to see other drivers toying with their navigation systems while en route to their destination during your morning commute. Such systems have become almost standard in vehicles today to the point that it is surprising to see a car that does not either have a built in navigation system or a portable navigation system mounted to the windshield. While such systems are extraordinarily handy and are perfectly acceptable accessories for vehicles, drivers should keep in mind that negligent use of navigation systems can lead to accidents and potential lawsuits.
The companies that make navigation systems are well aware of the dangers that interacting with them while driving can pose, and most navigation systems have a disclaimer that makes the user agree that they will not be actively interacting with the system while in motion. One obvious danger posed by such systems is that drivers who are using a hand to adjust something on the system do not have two hands with which to control the automobile if necessary.
Another less obvious, but more amusing, source of danger is that some drivers choose to rely on their navigation systems to the exclusion of other informational sources, namely logic and the human sense of sight, and drive their vehicles into lakes and rivers at the behest of the friendly voice emanating from their dashboard. Perhaps the greatest source of concern with using these systems, however, is the simple truism that if you are looking at the navigation system you cannot be looking at the road. A distracted driver who is not looking at the road cannot be aware of obstacles in the roadway or suddenly-changing driving conditions and is risking an car accident in Tennessee and a potential lawsuit.
In Tennessee, a driver can be held liable for an accident on a theory of negligence any time they do not drive as a reasonably prudent driver would. Although a vast number of reasonable drivers do possess navigation systems, it will never be reasonable to interact with such a system at the expense of keeping a proper lookout while driving. Tennessee drivers should heed the warnings given by such systems and make sure everything is set properly before putting the car into motion. This tactic will help forestall possible serious injury and enable drivers to avoid becoming defendants in automobile accident-related lawsuits.
Sources: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/263195; http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/27/faith-in-gps-sends-mercedes-downstream/
