PROJECT: GPS NAVIGATION AND MOTORIST SAFETY
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GPS navigation applications assist motorists with route planning, traffic updates and directions,
but they cannot guarantee that a recommended route is safe or suitable under prevailing conditions.
Drivers who follow instructions without assessing their surroundings may encounter unfamiliar roads,
poor lighting, infrastructure problems, road closures or situations that increase their vulnerability.
GPS should support a motorist's judgement, not replace it.
In South Africa, where road conditions and security risks can change significantly between locations and times of day,
drivers should assess their routes, prepare for alternatives and respond appropriately when circumstances change.
1. THE SECURITY LIMITATIONS OF GPS:
Navigation applications calculate routes using available mapping, traffic and road information. Depending on the system, the recommended route may prioritise travel time or distance without adequately reflecting current infrastructure problems, public disturbances or other local hazards.
A route may therefore be navigationally correct but unsuitable under the circumstances. Drivers travelling at night, visiting unfamiliar areas or undertaking long journeys should distinguish between the fastest route and the route that best meets their practical safety needs. An unfamiliar neighbourhood should not automatically be regarded as dangerous. However, poor visibility, restricted access, unexpected congestion and limited opportunities to obtain assistance can increase a motorist's exposure to risk.
2. HOW POOR ROUTE DECISIONS INCREASE VULNERABILITY:
Motorists may become more vulnerable when they are distracted by navigation instructions, forced to stop unexpectedly or uncertain about their location. A breakdown, puncture or road obstruction can leave a driver stranded, while unfamiliar surroundings may complicate efforts to obtain assistance. Drivers who concentrate on their screens instead of observing traffic and their surroundings may also overlook hazards or changes in conditions. Criminals can exploit moments of distraction or isolation, although an unfamiliar route or difficult road conditions do not, by themselves, indicate criminal activity.
The practical objective is to reduce avoidable exposure through preparation, situational awareness
and informed decision-making.
3. PREVENTION BEFORE DEPARTURE:
Motorists can reduce navigational and security risks by preparing before they leave:
REVIEW THE ROUTE:
Examine the proposed journey, identify major roads and consider alternatives before setting off.
ASSESS TRAVEL CONDITIONS:
Where practical, favour suitable, well-lit major roads when travelling at night, even if the journey takes longer.
PLAN STOPPING POINTS:
Identify established fuel stations and other suitable locations where you can stop safely if directions need to be checked.
PREPARE FOR CONNECTIVITY PROBLEMS:
Download offline maps where possible and keep your phone charged.
CHECK THE VEHICLE:
Ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy and has sufficient fuel for the journey.
INFORM A TRUSTED CONTACT:
For unfamiliar or lengthy trips, share your destination and estimated arrival time.
KNOW YOUR EMERGENCY CONTACTS' NUMBERS:
Keep roadside-assistance, insurance and emergency contact details accessible independently of your navigation application.
Preparation is particularly important for motorists travelling alone, visitors unfamiliar with the area and drivers undertaking journeys after dark.
4. WHAT TO DO WHEN A ROUTE BECOMES UNSUITABLE:
Drivers should continuously assess whether the route remains appropriate. If they encounter poor visibility, road damage, a public disturbance or an obstruction, they should reassess their options as soon as it is safe to do so. Never make sudden manoeuvres or handle a phone while driving. Continue to a suitable stopping point before reviewing directions. Where practical, select an alternative route that returns to an appropriate main road without requiring risky turns or unnecessary stops. If a road is blocked or affected by unrest, do not attempt to force a passage through the obstruction. Find a safe alternative or wait at a suitable location until conditions can be assessed. If you suspect that you are being followed, avoid driving directly home or stopping somewhere isolated. Where safe and practical, proceed to a busy, well-lit public location or police station and contact the authorities if necessary.
In an emergency, contact the South African Police Service on 10111 when it is safe to do so.
5. VEHICLE SECURITY AND BREAKDOWN PROCEDURES:
A vehicle breakdown can create additional risk when it occurs on an isolated road or after dark. Motorists should move out of moving traffic where possible, activate their hazard lights and contact a verified roadside-assistance provider. Avoid attempting repairs in an unsafe location or accepting assistance from strangers when the circumstances cause concern. If you cannot move the vehicle and feel threatened, communicate your location to emergency services or a trusted contact and follow their instructions.
During ordinary journeys, keep doors locked and windows closed when appropriate, secure valuables out of sight and remain attentive when stationary in traffic. These precautions should complement responsible driving rather than create a false sense of security.
6. RESPONSIBLE PUBLIC AWARENESS:
Road-safety information should be shared responsibly. Motorists should report recurring hazards, such as damaged roads, inadequate lighting and malfunctioning traffic signals, to the relevant municipal authority or road agency. Claims that particular roads or neighbourhoods are being targeted by criminals should not be circulated without credible verification. Unsubstantiated warnings can create unnecessary fear and mislead other road users. Security decisions should be based on observable conditions and reliable information, not assumptions about entire communities.
Navigation providers can support safer journeys through accurate mapping and timely updates, but motorists must remain attentive and exercise independent judgement.
7. GENERAL GPS SETTINGS:
For safer driving in South Africa, configure your GPS to prioritise suitable main roads, avoid unnecessary detours and give you enough warning to make decisions before reaching an intersection.
Regardless of the application, these are the main precautions to consider:
MOTORWAYS AND TOLL ROADS:
Enable these only according to your needs. Do not automatically avoid major roads, as they may offer a more suitable route than unfamiliar side streets.
CHOOSE ROUTES BEFORE DEPARTURE:
Review the route and alternatives before driving, particularly at night.
ENABLE TRAFFIC ALERTS:
Where available, use alerts for congestion, road closures and reported incidents.
ENABLE VOICE GUIDANCE:
This reduces the need to look at your phone while driving.
DOWNLOAD OFFLINE MAPS:
Useful when mobile reception is unreliable.
SET YOUR DESTINATION BEFORE LEAVING:
Never adjust the route while driving.
Important: Google Maps and Waze do not provide a guaranteed crime-safe route. Avoiding motorways or toll roads does not necessarily improve personal security, and incident reports may be incomplete or outdated. Your safest practical option depends on the route, time of day and current conditions.
GPS navigation is a valuable travel tool, but its recommendations cannot replace
an assessment of road conditions and personal safety.
Drivers can reduce avoidable risks by reviewing routes before departure, preparing alternatives, maintaining vehicle readiness and changing course when conditions warrant it. If a journey becomes unsafe, they should prioritise personal safety,
avoid unnecessary stops and seek assistance where required.
Use GPS as a guide, remain aware of your surroundings
and never allow an automated instruction
to override sound judgement.
RELEVANT SSS PROJECTS ON ROAD SAFETY:
https://www.mikebolhuis.co.za/post/project-sss-security-alert-road-spiking-attacks-part-1
https://www.mikebolhuis.co.za/post/project-the-2024-holiday-season-part-14-road-spiking
https://www.mikebolhuis.co.za/post/project-dangerous-and-negligent-taxi-driving-in-south-africa
https://www.mikebolhuis.co.za/post/project-the-2024-holiday-season-part-3-drunk-driving
https://www.mikebolhuis.co.za/post/project-drinking-and-driving-and-the-law
https://www.mikebolhuis.co.za/post/project-general-road-safety-measures-when-travelling-on-holiday
RELEVANT MEDIA ARTICLE:
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