Satellite Navigation (Satnav) systems are popular with many drivers, and provide a safe option for giving directions to drivers in unfamiliar areas. Correctly used, Satnav systems have the potential to ease congestion, reduce fuel consumption and improve road safety. Listening to Satnav instructions is likely to be less distracting for a driver than stopping every few minutes to check a paper map, or worse, trying to use a paper map while in motion.

Satellite navigation systems are perhaps one of the most useful driving aids. With their improved functions like voice commands and bluetooth technology, these systems are making travelling fun and easy. Still, it is necessary to use them wisely while driving in order to prevent putting yourself in danger.

Think Road safety has given few useful tips you should keep in mind when purchasing and using Satellite Navigation (Satnav) systems:

* Choose a Satnav system that is suitable for you.
* Ensure the controls are simple to understand and operate.
* Make sure you can read and understand the graphics.
* The system should include all the information you need (e.g. height restrictions in the case of a tall vehicle).
* The map information should be current and updateable in the future.
* Make sure you pay full attention while driving your vehicle, otherwise you could be in big trouble.

While using Satellite Navigation (Satnav) systems, keep in mind that these are designed to help to pinpoint the location of a specified place. A Satnav device should be used carefully or you could end up travelling further than required.

- John Graham

A lot of technological advances have been attributed to the motor industry in recent years. In the last ten years alone our cars have been given many new features that have either made driving more comfortable, safer or more convenient. Many cars now come with these advanced features as standard, as they have been proven to be invaluable to motorists.

These features include automatic headlights that sense darkness and rear parking cameras to prevent bumps and knocks at your local car park, but the biggest in-car technology success has to be the introduction of Satnavs.

Satellite Navigation has helped many motorists who have struggled to find their way around cities or even far off destinations that they will not be familiar with. It used to be the case that driving to somewhere new you would have to get a roadmap out - dangerous when travelling at speed on the motorway. Of course, if possible you would use the help of a partner or passenger but we are all familiar with the age old situation of couples squabbling over directions when driving across the country.

The best solution for this has been a small device that not only displays the map but reads out the directions for us: our own personal navigator sat on the dashboard. There are many companies now selling satellite navigation kits as well as car manufacturers fitting them as standard or integrating them into an on-board computer. Some models even have the option to download celebrity voices so you can receive instructions from people such as Yoda, Sean Connery or the ultimate: KITT from Knight Rider!

These devices have saved many people valuable time spent pulling over onto the side of the road to fathom out where they are on the map, and have features that allow you to alter your route on the fly. This is particularly good if you want to avoid a particularly busy road or motorway, or if you encounter a road closed sign.

It is important to take note that some people have come unstuck by blindly following their Satnavs instructions and ended up driving into a flooded road or a small side street. This is a particular problem, as sometimes when larger vehicles do the same with their Satnavs it can make trying to get past a tight squeeze.

- Ron Jackson