‘GPS makes drivers less stressed’

Drivers who use GPS systems are less stressed and pay better attention to the road, it has been claimed.

A study by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and Dutch research institute, found that 70 per cent of drivers feel calmer in the car while using a portable navigation system.

Furthermore, 59 per cent of the 1,036 American drivers surveyed, said that use of GPS devices makes it easier for them to focus on the road and 60 per cent claimed they felt safer in their vehicles.

Jocelyn Vigreux, president of TomTom, who released the research, said: "TomTom has always believed that our products provide drivers with added confidence on the road.

"Our customers are our priority and we will continue to lead the market in developing and implementing innovative safety features."

Consumer Reports (CR) recently concluded that established GPS brands such as Garmin, TomTom and Megellan are still producing the best devices.

After several months of in-lab and on-the-road tests of 39 GPS systems, the review publication commended the Garman Nuvi 660, TomTom Go 920T, Garmin Nuvi 350 and Magellan Maesro 4250.