We use technology as part of our everyday routine; we have smartphones and TVs, autonomous cars, we talk to our refrigerator and robots have replaced humans in the industry. Would you entrust your life to an electronic device? Common sense tells us Of course not!, however, we tend to trust our technology and many people have died of what is called Death by GPS.
“A 28-year-old nurse was driving through a park with her six-year-old son when her GPS directed her onto a vaguely defined road with no outlet. A week later, she was found by a ranger. Her jeep was buried in the sand. SOS spelled on the windshield. Her son had died ”. The Guardian
“A driver followed her navigation device`s instructions to “take the first left turn” at a roundabout however, the actual first left turn (not the first legal turn) was the exit ramp of a freeway, and the driver –who was on the road at night- entered a freeway driving in the wrong direction. Sadly this driver lost her life.”
Maybe you are not interested in how your GPS works, and if you are like us, your only concern is that it takes you from here to there on time, however, you should never blindly trust and you should always keep a critical mind when you are on the road.
What is GPS?
GPS (The Global Position System) is a network that consists of 30+ global positioning satellites orbiting around the Earth. It has 24 operational satellites plus 3 backup satellites. They are arranged in a way that satellites four are always positioned in one of the six orbital planes. Just in case one of the satellites fails.
When you use the GPS system in your vehicle, the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) network transmits radio signals that are processed by the GPS receiver in your car. This process helps to provide your GPS coordinates with information on your exact location, vehicle speed, time, and direction. Once the receiver calculates its distance from four or more GPS satellites, it can then figure out where you are.
GPS was first designed by the U.S. military in the late ’60s. The first satellite was launched into space in February 1978. Then, the first navigation satellite was developed primarily to guide Navy military missiles. In 1989, Magellan Corp. introduced the first hand-held GPS receiver. Eventually, on September 16, 1983, President Ronald Reagan opened this system to the public making the GPS technology free for civilian users.
What is the technology used for?
There are GPS systems to track people or animals, monitor merchandise (product tracking). Fleet delivery tracking, valuable tracking, data tracking, vehicle tracking, shipments, and even baggage tracking.
With technology advancing, we now have portable GPS, pocket GPS, dashboard receivers, fitness and cycling trackers, motorcycle GPS, marine GPS.
Whatever you choose, be sure its features meet your needs, preferences, and your age range. Above all, be proactive, don`t leave it all to technology. Always do some research before long road trips; get familiar with the route and its surroundings as well as the weather that will prevail during the journey. Most Importantly, anticipate any possible scenario and have a realistic plan for it. And remember: despite “The Matrix”, Artificial Intelligence will never replace human intelligence.
At M&M Freight and Logistics we use our technology in a safe and smart manner. Our drivers rely on their GPS but they know the road by heart, are constantly aware of changes and the weather. If you need a professional to transport your vehicle across states get a free quote now, and an agent will get in touch with you briefly to assist you.
