Are Sat Navs Turning Us Into zombie Drivers Not Surprisingly, Mytaxi Survey Reckons So UPDATED

Are sat navs turning us into âzombie driversâ Not surprisingly, mytaxi survey reckons so

A new study from black cab app mytaxi has revealed that London drivers are more reliant on sat navs than anywhere else in the UK, and that this dependence is affecting their driving skills and sense of direction.

The study, which surveyed 2000 British drivers on their relationship with sat nav technology, found that a massive 88% of Londoners now use the devices, over ten per cent higher than the national average of 76%. Moreover, one in five (20%) Londoners admit they have lost the ability to navigate back home without the aid of a sat nav, while a whopping 65% feel they would be totally lost without the technology when embarking on unfamiliar journeys.

The study also revealed that motorists waste 29 hours every year using sat navs, with Londoners wasting an average of 62 hours each year driving the wrong way round. This suggests that many of the capitalâs motorists are rapidly turning into âzombie driversâ, who blindly follow the instructions of their devices without paying attention to their surroundings or using their own judgement.

To highlight the problem, mytaxi has released a hidden-camera prank video, in which a minicab was rigged with micro-cameras to capture the reactions of passengers as the driver stubbornly followed the sat nav despite their protestations. The video shows some hilarious and frustrating moments as the driver takes wrong turns, goes in circles, and ignores obvious landmarks.

Andy Jones, General Manager, UK, at mytaxi, which commissioned the research, said: âSat nav technology is undoubtedly a huge help to many people but it is certainly not flawless and the results can be both frustrating and comical, as evidenced by the huge number of misadventures we have recorded.â

He added: âWe are proud to say that all mytaxi drivers have spent three years studying for The Knowledge memorising over 25,000 streets and 20,000 landmarks. There really is no substitute to real local knowledge when it comes to navigating through traffic and finding the quickest routes to a destination.â

The study and the video are part of mytaxiâs campaign to promote The Knowledge as a unique selling point of its service, which connects passengers with licensed black cab drivers in London. The campaign also aims to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving and encourage drivers to use sat navs responsibly and sensibly.

What is The Knowledge and why is it so important for black cab drivers The Knowledge is a test that all applicants for a London taxi driver's licence must pass before they can operate in the city. The test requires candidates to memorise over 25,000 streets and 20,000 landmarks within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross, as well as the best routes between any two points in the area. The test also covers traffic regulations, taxi fares, and general knowledge of London's history and culture.

The Knowledge was introduced in 1865, when London's population and traffic increased dramatically due to the Industrial Revolution. The test was designed to ensure that taxi drivers could provide a reliable and efficient service to their customers, as well as to protect them from fraud and violence. The test has been updated over the years to reflect changes in London's geography and society, but it still remains one of the most rigorous and demanding examinations in the world.

The Knowledge takes an average of three to four years to complete, and involves both written and oral examinations. Candidates must first pass a written test on the basic layout of London, then undergo a series of oral examinations called \"appearances\", in which they are asked to describe the shortest or most sensible routes between various points in London. Candidates must also demonstrate their driving skills and knowledge of the Highway Code in a practical test.

The Knowledge is widely regarded as a badge of honour and a mark of professionalism among black cab drivers. It gives them an edge over other types of taxi drivers, who rely on sat navs or maps to navigate the city. It also enables them to provide a more personalised and informative service to their passengers, who can benefit from their local insights and recommendations. The Knowledge is not only a test of memory, but also of intelligence, dedication, and passion for London. aa16f39245