The majority of drivers do not trust satellite navigation systems to guide them to their destinations in the quickest manner, according to a new study by the RAC. The poll of 1,601 UK drivers found that 84 percent admit to ignoring instructions from their car or smartphone navigation apps, believing they can find a faster route.
These findings emerge amidst growing concerns that an overreliance on navigation apps may be contributing to an increase in serious road accidents and near-fatal collisions. National Highways data reveals a 30 percent rise in drivers traveling the wrong way on motorways over the past four years, with nearly 1,000 motorists involved in incidents with oncoming vehicles on English motorways in the last year alone. Multiple fatalities were reported due to head-on collisions on these roads in 2025.
The RAC's research indicates that while most drivers use navigation technology, they do not blindly follow its directions. Nine in ten respondents confirmed using navigation tech in their vehicles, with 8 percent relying on it for every journey, 30 percent for most trips, and about half using it occasionally.
Frustrations with the technology are common. Eleven percent of drivers reported being directed the wrong way down a one-way street, a potentially dangerous situation. Half of respondents stated their devices do not always account for upcoming traffic jams, and over 40 percent have been routed down narrow roads they would typically avoid. Additionally, one in five drivers have been sent down dead-end streets where reversing was difficult.
Despite these issues, 10 percent of drivers admitted to following sat-nav instructions without question. RAC breakdown spokeswoman Harriet Hernando advised drivers to pay close attention to road signs and utilize local knowledge rather than solely relying on navigation devices. She emphasized the importance of keeping navigation systems updated, especially given fatalities linked to incorrect directions.
The study also highlighted a shift in navigation device usage. Smartphone apps like Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps are now the most popular options, often integrated into car infotainment systems via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Only a third of drivers use built-in sat-nav systems, and a mere 9 percent, typically older drivers, use standalone devices.
In November 2024, technology companies Google and Apple agreed to modify their audio prompts following a double-fatal crash on the A5 near Milton Keynes. The incident involved a driver traveling the wrong way after following sat-nav instructions, resulting in a head-on collision that claimed both drivers' lives.