GPS ....Reaction from other drivers !

gilbem1

I have had a PDA GPS system for about a month and use it daily for a 172 mile commute up and down the M1 (yes...I know the route, but I find the TT3 journey information useful).

I have noticed two things since using the system:

1) The 'Matrix' phenomenon. This is where cars on the outer lanes (and those undertaking on the inside lanes..!!!!) speed up to my car, see the TT3 on my windscreen suction mount, brake hard for a couple of minutes while we all travel in sync, before pulling off again at high speed. I am convinced other drivers think I am an umarked police car especially with the blue LED from the TT BT receiver visible next to the windscreen....has anyone else noticed this?

2) GPS still not widely used. Since installing my GPS I have noticed only three other cars in a month's worth of M1 travelling, with GPS installed (or at least visible). I am suprised as I would have thought it much more widely used than it appears to be !

Many thanks to the Pocket GPS World team for the ongoing updates to the 'Safety' Camera databases...very much appreciated. :D

dave2318 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Aug 30, 2004 Posts: 24

I have noticed the same 'Matrix' phenomenon whilst driving round the north west. My ipaq is mounted on my vent with the wired gps in the middle of the dash. It is interesting to note that so many people do not know what speed they are going, as they break hard when they are doing the speed limit Smile

It is also interesting because the other drivers automatically assume they ARE speeding and have to slow down, this makes me think they should take more notice of the law.

My wife and i shared the driving to scotland and back the other weekend and she noticed this phenomenon almost instantly!

Round here there are loads of cars with GPS's, there are at least 4 on our office car park.

proctog · Regular Visitor Joined: Oct 28, 2004 Posts: 100

Privateer · Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 2:23 pm Post subject:

Hi,

My daily driver is a Land Rover Discovery. I don’t usually set up the SatNav systems and other electronic toys for the drive to and from work because I’m fortunate enough (or is that unfortunate enough) to live quite close to work.

I don’t know whether it’s because I concentrate on driving or not but I rarely see anybody using a SatNav system in my area. I do see a large number of radar detectors and Road Angels. Last week I saw (for the first time) somebody using a TomTom Go, and on another road whilst in a slow queue I saw that the car in front of me (a small purple Japanese thing) had a phone with TomTom Mobile.

I don’t experience the matrix thing, when I’m running the SatNav, as the PDAs are mounted on the dashboard well below the front windscreen. The height of the Discovery also prevents people from seeing the SatNav – which is a good thing for security.

Regards,
_________________
Robert.
iPhone 6s Plus, iOS 14.0.1: iOS CamerAlert v2.0.7
TomTom GO Mobile iOS 2.3.1; TomTom (UK & ROI and Europe) iOS apps v1.29
Garmin Camper 770 LMT-D

Tim Buxton · Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 2:46 pm Post subject:

Nothing to do with SatNav, but when I'm riding my motorbike, I often ride alongside cars, just behind the driver's door, when I see the driver holding a mobile 'phone to his (generally, but occasionally her) ear. The sneaky glance, quickly followed by the throwing down of said device and finally the realisation that I'm not a Motorcycle Cop are almost identical in each case. I then ride on, sniggering to myself.

What really annoys me is that these people are generally driveing BMWs, Mercs, Lexuses and all other manner of expensive machinery.

For crying out loud, if they've spent £40k+ on a car, can't they manage £80 or so for a BT headset or £200 for an installed carkit?
_________________
Tim

icsys · Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 3:26 pm Post subject:

Hear Hear!

Maybe the new higher fines and 3 points will deter them. Then perhaps not.

I've had a few near misses from drivers trying to turn a corner with one hand holding a phone to their ear and the other attempting to steer round the bend.

Bloody dangerous if you ask me!
_________________
Ian.
iPAQ 2210 | Navman 4100 BT Receiver
Navman iCN 635
TomTom GO
Anquet OS mapping

Tim Buxton · Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 3:38 pm Post subject:

Blacksheep · Occasional Visitor Joined: Nov 26, 2004 Posts: 2

Silver/Grey Honda Pan European. Flip up helmet with mic boom. High Vis waistcoat/belt.

People often ask me if I am an undercover police officer. I use hand movments to get people off the phone. Only after they have cut me up! They drop it and start saying sorry. Works very well to get people out your way in the fast lane when they see me in the rear view mirror. I would not go for any other look other than the undercover police officer one.

When the SPV M2000 in the peli case is added I think this can only add to the effect.

I love the power, I just need flashing lights now!

alix776 · Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 8:12 pm Post subject:

spending most of my time on motorway net work and being limited to 56 I do see a lot of gps systems in use mainly pda systems but i do seem to see a lot of gos but its surpriseing the amount of trucks that have em
_________________
currently using aponia truck navigation on windows phone. Good bye IOS don't let the door hit you on the way out .

Oh the joys of being a courier.
device Lumia 950 xl

Dave · Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 11:00 pm Post subject:

Well talking about GPS's and distractions, I've updated my main website (again) and it's a much better and easier blog tool now. You may want to check out http://www.daveburrows.com

Also specifically this post which kind of shows you what I go through to bring you the reviews! This really is a normal day for me!

mike007 · Regular Visitor Joined: Sep 13, 2004 Posts: 70

ive been using tom tom go and i have noticed other cars pulling up beside me :D ha ha looking in to see what that is on the dash :D 1 car even put his window down and said "WHATS THAT"

gilbem1 · Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 12:01 am Post subject:

Dave,

That's an amazing photo of your night-time GPS setup. Have the Police ever pulled you over to enquire what's going on?...any adverse reactions from other drivers?

Keep up the excellent testing and reviews.

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