does this look safe?

[ua_guy]

I'm not a fan of any auxiliary mounted device, GPS or otherwise. Too enticing for opportunistic theft if left in the vehicle, too distracting to take up any available windshield real-estate. But I know a lot of people use them.

I think GPS is a good tool. If you have an auxiliary unit or use a smartphone for Nav, learning how to navigate using the audible directions is important. If you need to stare at the screen or interact with it, then you should pull over first.

Good suggestions so far on minimizing distractions. In my vehicles, my front seat passenger gets nominated as "first officer" and is responsible for all navigational aides if we aren't quite sure how to get there. They input the destination, or if it's just me, I do it before I start moving. If I need to interact with it during the drive, it's time to pull over or keep going until there's a safe spot to pull over.

I know how to read a map and I'm familiar with most kinds of address grids, but sometimes GPS is just easier. One of the big keys to success is being relaxed if you miss a turn or get lost. Don't do hasty or illegal things to stay on course.

[QuarterMillionMan]

I have one similar to that and it is a piece of *&%#. The clip will slip off the visor over time, unless you clip it on the opposite side of the visor, but in that case the device will be too close to your forehead. You see when you brake the G forces pulls the clip off of the visor slowly but surely. A better mount that I now have clips onto the air vents which doesn't move. Just my 2 cents.

[moneybags]

How old are you? How long have you been driving?

I'm 51. I got my license in 1980. I didn't get a smartphone with worthwhile GPS until 3 or 4 years ago. That's over 30 years that I somehow survived driving all over the place without a GPS.

I think this is another of those things that people have convinced themselves is a need, not a want. I think it has also contributed to a decline in people's ability to read a map. But I'm straying off topic here.

I'm your age. The way I use to get around without a GPS:

Ask my Dad how to get to my destination, write down the steps on a piece of paper, read the paper as I drove along. Maybe not as distracting as a GPS, but still required me to take my eyes off the road.

[FLA]

I have one similar to that and it is a piece of *&%#. The clip will slip off the visor over time, unless you clip it on the opposite side of the visor, but in that case the device will be too close to your forehead. You see when you brake the G forces pulls the clip off of the visor slowly but surely. A better mount that I now have clips onto the air vents which doesn't move. Just my 2 cents.

thanks, I've seen those

[amastewa93]

Air vent mounts and those on the dashboard seem safest. Just remember, even if you leave the mount in your car, to never leave the GPS or any other valuables in the vehicle.

My stepmom's car was broken into (in her very own garage) by some of the teens from a home for troubled teens down the road. Her GPS was stolen from her glove box. The only way they probably knew it was there was the mount on the dashboard.

[disneysteve]

Just remember, even if you leave the mount in your car, to never leave the GPS or any other valuables in the vehicle.

My stepmom's car was broken into (in her very own garage) by some of the teens from a home for troubled teens down the road. Her GPS was stolen from her glove box. The only way they probably knew it was there was the mount on the dashboard.

Don't even leave the mount. That tips off the crooks that there might be a device in the car. If you are using a device that suction cups to the window (which you shouldn't do anyway for safety reasons), even the residual mark from the suction cup is enough to let someone know to target that vehicle. You should remove the mount and wipe off the mark.

Of course, it's far easier and far safer to just not do it in the first place. Don't mount your GPS where you can see it and interact with it while driving. Use the voice commands. You should be able to hear them just fine with the device sitting in the cup holder or the center console.

[amastewa93]

I agree. Leaving the mounts in makes your car a target. It is better to just take everything out of the vehicle. I always use voice commands and have the radio turned way down so that I can hear the GPS clearly when I need to turn, take an exit, etc.