The original global positioning systems were very large and cumbersome. When using it in a city or place completely unknown to you, it was necessary to stop every so often and check the coordinates on the GPS. This took time and extra effort on your part, they were not very good but eventually they got you to your destination. Modern systems are nothing like the original systems, today they even speak to you.
Before the GPS it was necessary for a person to stop in a gas station, buy a map and follow what they believed would be the shortest route to his or her destination. Many times due to the fact that these people were strangers to the area they were driving in, they would suddenly find themselves in traffic jams or in even worse situations like dangerous parts of town. When this happened it was necessary to stop, sometimes at night, under a street light to study the map and find your way around.
These days are gone, today drivers using GPS have to program it before taking off and all they do from them on is listen to the instructions it will give. You listen to them you do not look at them. It was determined some time ago that an accident could occur in a second so GPS were designed with a voice to give you instructions. In fact, today every road in America and every address can be found using a GPS. This makes travelling easier and definitely safer.
Another great feature is that when you program your initial destination, the GPS will give you several options which you can choose from. Each route chosen by the system will tell you the distance you will drive and also an estimate on the time of arrival. This will give you the option of taking the straightaway road or the scenic road to wherever you are going. It will also let you know if you will be going through any dangerous areas which you should avoid. These are other safety features.
By using the distance information the system gives you it is also possible for you to calculate your gas. If you do not believe that you have enough gas to get wherever you are going, fill it up, this will prevent you from making any unscheduled stops in dangerous or lonely places on the road. Most GPS are also programmed to give you the weather report on route and in the place where you are going. This is information you will get when programming it, not on the road, this information allows you to choose the right clothing and to be prepared for special driving conditions.
It is great to use even in your own home town, it will let you know where the traffic jams are and how to take alternate routes. It will also help you to arrive on time to your appointments and meetings. All you have to do is check the estimated time of arrival and you will know how much time you have before having to start the trip so you will get there punctually. Remember to always leave a few additional minutes for any problem or emergency on the way. The GPS is giving you an estimate of the time, not an exact time of arrival. This is another safety feature that will serve you well, if you organize your time, you will not have to race all over town to get somewhere in time. GPS should be installed in every car, by law, the benefits it provides are innumerable and they include, saving time, gas and the most important is to increase the driver and passenger's safety.
