Use a GPS to Talk Safely While Driving

Among all your gadgets, devices, wires and chargers, there are a couple of features, from fun to functional, that are more helpful than others. For example, using a GPS unit as a cell phone replacement in the car will help drivers keep both hands on the wheel and, in some cases, save them money as well.

Driving While Texting and/or Talking can come with a pretty hefty price tag in fines or an accident, and lawmakers are eager to restrict cell phone use in vehicles. In Oregon it could be as much as $720 fine if lawmakers get their way. In Utah using a mobile device in the car is a secondary offense. That means you can be pulled over while using a cell phone if you are committing another moving offense like not signaling for three seconds before changing lanes or running a stop sign.

Avoid the trouble, go hands free. If you already have a GPS unit in your car, and it’s Bluetooth capable, it will only help. If you don’t have a GPS unit, here are some things to consider. A GPS unit is ideal for finding just about any destination. Using satellites, a GPS receiver can track your position anywhere in the world and give you maps, points of interest, gas stations and can even provide feedback on traffic to help you avoid snarls. But your GPS can also give you more than directions, if it comes with Bluetooth it can also help you be safer.
Bluetooth is a wireless networking technology that uses short-range communications to transmit data. Where you would have used a wire to connect your phone to your headset, Bluetooth technology will securely send the information wirelessly. Your phone can use this technology to send calls and other information through your GPS.

We recently reviewed the Garmin Nuvi 765t. One of the first things our reviewer did was synchronize his cell phone via Bluetooth with the unit – the GPS device functioned flawlessly as a cell phone on the road. When he received a call, it showed on the screen, with caller ID. When he answered the phone he could talk through the speaker phone on the Nuvi and keep both hands on the wheel.

We liked it for a number of reasons. A GPS screen is bigger and brighter than a cell phone screen, answering a call only requires touching the screen and it’s easier to read, especially at night. Also, your GPS is attached to your windshield or dashboard so you don’t have to look down or dig through your pocket/bag to find that darn phone. Plus it’s easy to use, once you sync your phone up the first time (via Bluetooth) whenever you get back in the car your phone and GPS unit will automatically sync up with each other so you don’t have to worry about turning it on or off each time.

To get the two units connected with Bluetooth, look for “sync” or “discover” on your GPS menu and go to the Bluetooth options on your cell phone to search for signals in the area. Once you get them synced up, you will be able to make and answer phone calls through your GPS.

So, when you’re thinking about using your cell phone in the car, think twice about that DWT fine. Use a GPS unit to help you keep both hands at 9 and 3.

Have a question for TopTenREVIEWS? Email Leslie Meredith at leslie@toptenreviews.com.