GPS is the technology many drivers have a love/hate relationship with. There have been many stories of GPS units leading drivers astray, resulting in costly citations or accidents.
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said that GPS systems are to blame for more than 200 bridge strikes by trucks over the last two years. Schumer said that 80% of all bridge strikes by trucks were attributed to GPS units.
In a letter to Ray LaHood, Schumer said, “These accidents are frequent, costly, dangerous and entirely avoidable,” Schumer said. “If we have the technology to send a truck to Mars, we have the technology to prevent trucks from crashing into bridges.”
Schumer is calling for the DOT to issue nation-wide regulations for truck GPS units to include bridge and road restrictions for trucks.
“I again urge you to use your authority under existing federal safety laws and the available resources at the Department’s disposal to investigate this matter and issue a set of recommended federal standards to address the problem,” Schumer wrote.
Schumer went on to state that imposing standards for truck GPS units would save tax payers millions in repairs and could also help avoid injuries and fatalities.
Schumer said Monday. “All the information we need to prevent these accidents is available, all we have to do is make sure it gets into the hands of the truck. If we have the technology to send a truck to Mars, we have the technology to prevent trucks from crashing into bridges here in Long Island.”
Drivers, what do you think? What is the best solution?
Get the scoop on GPS units designed specifically for trucks.