The introduction of navigation systems has changed the way we drive cars. The very first navigation systems were only built into the more expensive cars. Only after the arrival of portable navigation systems in 2004 did the market really start to take off. Consumer acceptance of navigation systems has, however, led to questions. For example, many of them are asking what the concrete effects of the use of navigation systems are on traffic safety. Some people argue that navigation systems have a positive influence on traffic safety. A navigation system means that you arrive more quickly at your destination, for example, and spend less time looking for the right route. Because less time is spent in traffic, this reduces the chance of traffic accidents. On the other hand, there are others who argue that navigation systems have a negative influence. They claim that navigation systems distract drivers, as a result of which they are less able to concentrate on the driving itself. Another argument is that navigation systems make driving easier, so the number of journeys could increase. Delta Lloyd Verzekeringen, TomTom International BV, Aon Nederland and Athlon Car Lease joined forces and commissioned research institute TNO to carry out extensive research into the actual influence of navigation systems on traffic safety. Various research methods were used in the study. The study took just over six months to finish, and was completed in December 2006. The study provides a new, clear picture of the influence of navigation systems on traffic safety, and can be seen as a unique study. Enclosed is a summary of the research results. This summary has been approved by TNO. The full study has been published under number: TNO 2007-D-R0048/B. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting