LOCAL KNOWLEDGE WINS: Sat-nav gamble pays off for 84% of drivers who ignore directions, RAC research finds
- Perry Richardson
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Drivers are routinely ignoring sat-nav instructions and relying on their own judgement to find a quicker route, with the gamble paying off for 84% of those who go against their navigation system, according to new RAC research.
The survey of 1,601 UK drivers found sat-nav technology is now used by 91% of motorists. Eight percent said they use navigation on every journey, 30% use it on most trips and 53% turn to it occasionally.
However, widespread adoption has not translated into complete trust. Some 89% of sat-nav users said they sometimes ignore the directions provided in an attempt to reach their destination, while just 12% admitted following instructions without question.
For professional taxi drivers, the findings add weight to the continuing value of local road knowledge alongside digital navigation. Drivers working repeatedly across the same areas can potentially identify congestion patterns, restrictions and alternative routes that automated systems may not always account for quickly enough.
Traffic detection was among the biggest complaints highlighted by the RAC survey. More than half of users, 52%, said their sat-nav did not always identify upcoming traffic jams, while 44% complained about being directed along small or narrow roads.
More concerning were examples where navigation instructions potentially placed drivers in difficult or dangerous situations. One in 10 users, 11%, reported being directed the wrong way along a one-way street, while 19% said they had nearly become stuck after being sent down a dead end that was difficult to reverse out of.
Free smartphone navigation apps dominate the market. Google Maps, Waze and Apple Maps were collectively the preferred option for 53% of drivers surveyed. Built-in vehicle navigation systems were used by 35%, while 9% relied on separate dashboard or windscreen-mounted devices. Standalone units remain particularly popular among drivers aged 65 and over.
Harriet Hernando, RAC Breakdown spokesperson, said sat-navs remain useful but warned motorists against relying on them without considering what is happening on the road.
She said: “Sat-navs are used by the majority of drivers, and can be a useful tool to help us get from A to B. But what this data shows is that people shouldn’t blindly follow the directions but continue to pay close attention to road signage and tap into any local knowledge they have of the area.”
“While it’s tempting to just jump in the car and punch in the postcode on your chosen sat-nav and follow along, it’s best to look at the journey more closely on the myRAC app route planner before setting off so you have a good idea of where you're going and what routes you could take depending on the traffic. You can also use the Fuel Finder tool to refuel at the cheapest price.
“Worryingly, one-in-10 said their sat-navs sent them down a one-way road the wrong way, risking a head-on collision. With several fatalities attributed to sat-navs, it’s important to pay attention to road signage and ensure devices are fully updated with the latest changes to the road network.”
The safety implications have previously proved serious. In November 2024, Google and Apple agreed to amend audio navigation prompts after a double fatal collision on the A5 near Milton Keynes appeared to have involved incorrect sat-nav directions. A driver travelled the wrong way along the road before a head-on collision in which both drivers died.
For private hire professionals, navigation technology has changed how routes are planned and dispatched, but the RAC findings suggest experience remains an important part of the job. Sat-navs can provide live information and rapid route calculation, but drivers remain responsible for observing road signs, restrictions and conditions rather than treating digital instructions as overriding what they can see ahead.
