Q: In December a couple in Oregon were stranded for three days after their GPS unit directed them to drive down an unplowed, snow-covered country road. Should I be concerned about my GPS directing me on a dangerous route?
A: The brand of GPS involved in the Oregon incident wasn’t disclosed. However, at best, any GPS unit is only a mapping aid and can only offer suggestions. The device cannot see if a road is covered by snow, ice, fallen trees, flood waters or other debris (or perhaps, unsavory characters) that would make travelling on it inadvisable.
Traffic guidance, where the GPS alerts you to road closures, may be available for a fee on some premium models. But ultimately, the decision on what route to take is always the driver’s.
I can’t speak for all makes of navigation units, but my unit is extremely flexible on routing. It offers four trip options (fastest time, shortest distance, mostly freeways, fewest freeways) to get to each destination. You can also tell it to avoid toll roads or U-turns, if desired.
To keep you from making wrong turns, the unit has a “text to speech” function. This means it will say the name of the street you need to turn on next. And, the “lane advisory” feature tells you verbally and on-screen whether to stay to the right or left for the next required highway exit. I find both features to be lifesavers on highways where multiple exits are often only metres apart.
If you stray from the given route, the device soon recalculates a new route to get you back on track to your destination.
The point is that you are never tied to taking any particular route. If you feel any road suggested by your GPS is dangerous then, by all means, don’t take it. Regardless of which roads you choose, the device will still guide you to your destination and you will not get lost.
Q: Can a driver lawfully turn right on a red light from the second (dual) right-turn lane? These turns don’t seem safe, particularly if pedestrians are present.
A: Ontario Transportation Ministry spokesperson Bob Nichols replies:
Unless a sign tells you not to, drivers are permitted under S. 144(19) HTA to turn right after stopping for a red signal; however,they must yield the right-of-way to traffic in the intersection – including pedestrians. To keep everyone safe, drivers should watch for pedestrians both in or approaching their path before turning.
Eric Lai adds:
Dual turn lanes must be designated by signs or pavement markings. That is, you can’t just “create” your own and turn from any lane you please when the marked left- or right-turn lane is crowded.
Turns commenced from a dual turn lane must be completed in the corresponding lane on the intersecting roadway.
Note that the onus is on the turning driver to ensure that it’s done safely without affecting other traffic. In other words, if anything bad happens, you’ll be the first one police look at for charges.
Q: Can I upgrade the incandescent bulbs on my vehicle to the new LED bulbs to save energy?
A: If your vehicle was factory-equipped with incandescent bulbs, it’s generally best to stick to these. Brake and turn signals may malfunction or the dash “bulb out” warning light may be falsely triggered if light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs are installed in place of original-equipment incandescent bulbs.
Email non-mechanical questions to
Eric Lai at wheels@thestar.ca | Eric Lai, TORONTO STAR