It took just a few hours for many drivers in the UAE to realize how dependent they have become on GPS. From the busy highways of Dubai to the winding streets of Abu Dhabi, when maps suddenly freeze or show incorrect locations, confusion behind the wheel is not just a simple hassle; it can turn into a dangerous situation on the road.

Now, with the increase in navigation disruptions, some residents of the UAE have reverted to older methods of finding their way; from paying attention to street signs to downloading offline maps before setting out.

Mustafa Al-Dah, a traffic expert, says that drivers' reliance on GPS has become excessive; a system that was originally designed for military purposes in the United States years ago, not for everyday use by the public. According to him, although GPS is used worldwide today, disruptions in signal or positioning errors are not uncommon.

He explains that GPS requires signals from at least three satellites for accurate positioning, and in areas like streets filled with skyscrapers, underground parking lots, or metallic spaces, signal accuracy significantly decreases. Even metal structures can block part of the signal like a “Faraday cage.”

Al-Dah warns that the most dangerous reaction from drivers is when they suddenly stop in the middle of the road or make abrupt lane changes. Because other drivers do not know that your GPS has failed, these unexpected movements can lead to accidents.

Drivers are advised to remain calm if their navigation system fails, continue driving normally, and only stop in a safe location. Using traffic signs, urban indicators, and offline maps has now become an essential skill once again.

Experts believe that these disruptions could introduce a new generation of navigation technologies to the market; systems that rely less on GPS and can even operate without internet or satellite signals.

Source: Gulf Times