Blame it on the GPS again

Discussion in 'Trucking Accidents' started by Mark Kling, Apr 29, 2014.

  1. dca

    dca Road Train Member

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    Amazing.. Ive used a gps along with a road atlas a few years now and never have had that problem..
     
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  3. Knucklehead619

    Knucklehead619 Medium Load Member

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    Having a GPS is just another tool in my " toolbox" as far as I'm concerned. That being said, anyone who relies SOLELY on a GPS doesn't need to be behind the wheel. When your GPS fails you by breaking or putting you on a sketchy road (and it will eventually) an atlas can save your hide. But for gods sake get out and look if it looks even remotely close to being too short. I'd rather waste a couple of minutes checking thugs over than waste a couple of hours and a couple grand dealing with the wrecker and the police for hitting a low bridge.
     
    Last edited: Apr 30, 2014
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  4. justa_driver

    justa_driver Road Train Member

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    Cant really blame it all on the driver though. That trucking company probably turned down 5 experienced drivers to hire him because they felt they could get him cheaper.
     
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  5. lfod14

    lfod14 Road Train Member

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    I agree, but check this out. My Truckers Atlas is a Rand McNally, my GPS is a Rand McNally, my Atlas (2014) was up to date as it was printed. My GPS gets map updates, so seeing how the maps are coming from the same people I question how a GPS that at LEAST had an update since the map release could steer you wrong? I still keep the Atlas but Am I wrong? I can see maybe if they were made by different companies but in my case seems (kinda) sound.
     
  6. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Drivers that actually look at an atlas even though they depend on their GPS are more likely to never hit low bridges because they know how to read signs.Only time ive ever used my GPS is when im close to the customer and not miss the street im suppose to turn on.
     
  7. dca

    dca Road Train Member

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    Reading signs before rolling under is a definite plus.. if they have one .. as mentiond checking out the height before hand also works... perhaps the newbee didn't have the correct settings or was using a gps for a car..regardless he should have payed attention
     
  8. amiller

    amiller Medium Load Member

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    You just have to use multiple resources. Not just the Atlas, gps, signs, etc individually but they must be used together to avoid making mistakes. Just yesterday from home in Charlotte NC heading to Midway TN routed me onto NC-208. I have a garmin car gps, Google maps on my blackberry, cobra truck gps, and rand mcnally 2014 atlas. 2 things told me not to take NC-208. Cobra truck gps and warning signs. You would think that since the government cares so much about road safety that they would provide us with a completely accurate database of our road networks in the U.S.
     
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  9. w.h.o

    w.h.o Road Train Member

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    Jesus...it's called common sense, learn to look out your window and read the signs instead of nodding to your gps. I have 2 gps and once in awhile they both fail. Like yesterday one wanted me to turn into a dirt road, the another into someone's driveway to make a u turn, I don't even know why that guys driveway is even on my gps lol. But common sense got me to my stop.
     
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  10. justa_driver

    justa_driver Road Train Member

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    If the people that put him in the truck doesn't use it, how can we expect him to?
     
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  11. justa_driver

    justa_driver Road Train Member

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    Id say he just had come out of one of their "Training" programs and for obvious reasons, they chose to leave that out?LOL
     
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