A new study has found that the performance of drivers was adversely affected when they listened to satnav-style directions.
The study was carried out by Lancaster University and Royal College, University of London, and tested driving skills by way of a computer. It found that when they were given complicated instructions by the satnav-style voice, their driving became more erratic, with the majority tending to drive faster and being less likely to notice pedestrians who may be stepping out onto the road.
The study found that, while drivers were generally able to follow simple instructions without any significant effect upon their driving, this changed when they had to respond to more complex requests and, the researchers believe this will result in the satnavs of the future becoming more effective and user-friendly, to ensure that it can help rather than hinder the primary task of driving.