New research from the RAC reveals that a significant majority of motorists who override their sat-nav's recommended route often benefit from doing so. The study of 1,601 drivers nationwide found that 84% of those who followed their own instincts arrived at their destination earlier than the device had estimated.
Widespread use and trust issues
The RAC study found that 91% of motorists use navigation technology, with 8% switching it on for every single trip. Despite its widespread use, many drivers do not fully trust the directions provided. Common complaints include devices failing to highlight upcoming slow or backed-up traffic, which 52% of people noted, and 44% being directed onto narrow country lanes.
More serious errors were also reported. About 11% of motorists were directed the wrong way down a one-way street, while 19% ended up stuck in tight dead ends. Despite these issues, 12% of drivers admit they follow every direction without question, while 89% treat the guidance with caution and occasionally ignore it.
Preferred navigation tools
Free mobile applications like Google Maps and Waze are the primary choice for 53% of motorists. Built-in vehicle systems account for 35%, while 9% prefer traditional dashboard units. The RAC also offers its own myRAC app route planner, which can be used to plan journeys before setting off.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Harriet Hernando commented: “Sat-navs are used by the majority of drivers, and can be a useful tool to help us get from A to B. But what this data shows is that people shouldn’t blindly follow the directions, but continue to pay close attention to road signage and tap into any local knowledge they have of the area.”
Safety risks and industry response
Hernando added: “Worryingly, one in 10 said their sat-navs sent them down a one-way road the wrong way, risking a head-on collision. With several fatalities attributed to sat-navs, it’s important to pay attention to road signage and ensure devices are fully updated with the latest changes to the road network.”
Tech companies have faced pressure to fix navigation errors following severe accidents on British roads. In November 2024, Google and Apple agreed to update audio prompts after a driver turned the wrong way onto the A5 near Milton Keynes, resulting in a fatal head-on crash. The RAC recommends that drivers review their journey using the myRAC app route planner before setting off, and use the Fuel Finder tool to refuel at the lowest price.
