Many Tennessee motorists rely on GPS units to aid them while they drive. They make travel easier and more convenient in many cases. However, there is a dark side to GPS navigation systems that motorists need to be aware of. They can also be a source of distraction to drivers, making them dangerous. Sometimes they give inaccurate information and put the drivers who rely on them at risk for becoming lost and involved in car crashes.

Drivers can access directions from GPS-enabled apps on their phones or from using navigational devices. These units receive information directly from satellites. While this may seem like a reliable feature, certain issues can interfere with their signals and cause them to relay incorrect information, such as cloud and weather conditions and interference from external sources.

According to Forbes.com, as many as two percent of distracted driving incidents are caused by drivers handling their GPS units. Some motorists increase their risk of harm by fiddling with these devices while their attention is supposed to be on the road. They take one or both hands off their steering wheels and are unable to drive their cars safely. Sometimes these drivers are so distracted by their GPS devices that they fail to notice that they are nowhere near where they are supposed to be or that they are somewhere completely unsafe or away from civilization.

Drivers should take extra precautions to ensure they do not become victims of GPS navigation system-related incidents, states The Zebra. They should double check their route directions before they get in their vehicles. They should research their routes to ensure there are not any detours that could interfere with their commute. They should also take time to map out alternative routes, make sure that all directions are safe and accurate and keep their GPS apps and systems updated.

With proper precaution and awareness, drivers who decide to use GPS navigational devices can do so safely.

In Knoxville, it is not uncommon to see female motorists on the road. Historically, young women motorists have been perceived as worse drivers than men. Commonly cited reasons for this misconception were age, driving skill and gender. Cars have long been associated with masculinity, and when it comes to driving it is no different. However, according to USA Today, young women were found to be more responsible and safer drivers than their teenage male counterparts. Regardless of which sex is the safer group of drivers, teenage motorists are still considered the most dangerous group on the roads.

There are many factors that contribute to vehicle collisions like car type, driver behavior and road conditions. In a recent study, it was found that women do not spend as much time on the roads as male motorists, giving them a lower fatality percentage for each mile driven. Men tend to purchase masculine looking cars that have lower safety ratings than the smaller and fuel-efficient vehicles that women tend to prefer.

In another study, it was found that males are more likely to crash their vehicles on the weekends and in the evenings. It was also determined that men tend to drive aggressively more often than women, states CBS News. They also are less likely to drive on restricted licenses.

Car accidents do not discriminate against name, age or sex. Male teenage drivers should pay better attention to the roads, their driving behaviors and be more mindful of the misconceptions that can affect their mindset and driving actions.

More seniors in Knoxville are living longer than ever and are holding on to their driving privileges much longer. Even though they have a wealth of driving experience, many seniors still find themselves involved in car accidents. Older people have different driving habits than they had when they were younger.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of senior motorists who sustain injuries in car accidents is 586. The number of older drivers on the roads increased by 34 percent from 1999 to 2012, resulting in 36 million senior citizens who exercise their driving privileges. Older drivers who are involved in car crashes are more likely to suffer from severe injuries than younger motorists. This is due to their age, diminished vision and cognitive abilities, medication and less dexterity, states ABC News.

Older drivers are often considered one of the safest driving groups because they limit the amount of time they spend on the roads. They are less likely to travel when it is dark outside and in areas like the freeway where there is a high volume of traffic. Senior drivers also tend to wear their seatbelts when they are behind the wheel. However, when they do get into accidents, it is often because they make critical driving mistakes, such as driving too slowly, keeping an improper driving distance and not noticing traffic signs.

Seniors who take certain medications, exhibit diminished vision, mental functions and lack driving confidence are at risk for car wrecks and should consider using an alternative means of transportation.

Motorists in Tennessee should be on guard against uninsured and underinsured drivers. These people are not only carelessly disregarding the law, they are also putting every other motorist who is on the road with them at risk for harm and financial setbacks. According to Insurance Information Institute, only 49 of the 50 states require drivers to have auto insurance. Some of the drivers who are on the road only carry the bare minimum that is allowed, others do not have a policy at all.

When car accidents happen that involve uninsured and underinsured drivers, it is hard for victims to recover financially from the damage and injuries they may have incurred. The cost of injuries and damages are usually catastrophic. Having the state minimum in auto insurance is not enough to cover the financial aftermath of most car accidents, states ConsumerReports.org. Many insured drivers who find themselves dealing with this type of situation must pay for these expenses themselves or sue the at-fault driver, which is no guarantee of payment. Any expenses that they incur that are not covered by their own policies they have to pay for themselves.

There are ways drivers can protect themselves from uninsured and underinsured drivers. Many insurers offer uninsured and underinsured coverage that can be added into existing policies. This type of coverage makes it possible for innocent drivers to receive some type of compensation if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. It only applies if the victim’s insurer does not cover any injuries or damages that occurred from the situation.

Auto insurance may be so expensive to some people that they opt to drive without enough or any coverage at all. However, dealing with the consequences of car accidents is much more expensive and can present financial challenges for many years to come. Drivers can protect themselves from having to deal with this type of situation by checking their policies and adding underinsured and uninsured coverage.