GPS, a Helper or a Joker?

The Global Positioning System, which is very known as GPS, is a system that can provide information of location and time without affecting by the weather in 98% accuracy. It is fast, effective and save our time. Nowadays, GPS is accessible via smart phone and we use it to guide the direction and the way to go a place. However, there are advantages and disadvantages of using GPS. GPS can be a helper in your life, guides you to the fastest and most accurate way to arrive to your desired destination. In the same time, it can also be a joker too, guide you to a definitely wrong way and create funny stories that can never imagined of. Which one is yours?

Although GPS helps lots in showing direction, sometimes it will show the wrong way and when users depend too much on it, accidents could happen. For instance, in the GPS, some system bugs will happen. If it is not systemed that the road is a one-way direction, it will led the user to turn into the road, making it to drive the direct opposite way, then accident could easily happen. 

Besides, when people are relying on GPS, they would not recognize the way by themselves. Take myself as an example. There’s one time that I’m using the trending navigation app, Waze. I’m not really good in Kuching traffics, so I drive much depending on the GPS. So the GPS guided me, and it asked me to keep left of the road. But according to usual route, it is supposed to be keeping right. But time doesn’t allow me to think it thoroughly, so I decided to follow the GPS guide. I was astonished that the road is actually bringing me to another area which requires paying toll. So I spent about RM 4, just to get a U-turn, and I could have saved 20 minutes driving if I do not listen to the GPS. As the saying goes, it only provides 98% accuracy, so if the 2% accuracy goes wrong, please do use your mind to overcome it.

In addition, if there is no internet provided, then the GPS cannot be functioned. People who always rely on GPS would get lost as they cannot recognize their way. I tried this several times too, especially in the small lanes. Often when it gets no internet, the GPS will assume that you are getting into the right way. So often I will drive straight, and suddenly the GPS will notify: “Turn left”. When I am alerted that I should turn left, the junction is almost over, and to do a sudden break or pull it over is just too dangerous. The consequence is I have to make a big turn to get to the same point.

In my stand, I am not to say that the GPS is not a good tool. But as a smart road user, we should always use GPS carefully and wisely. Yield this navigation tool as you can, but always be aware, do not let it to yield over you. Personally, I recommend people only to use GPS when you are new to the place. But when the navigation guide seems strange and makes little sense, believe and drive according to your instinct. After all, the best navigation tool is still your mind. Drive safe.