Bedford Driving Lessons

Growing use of sat-navs could lead to a ‘Hansel and Gretel generation’ of drivers who risk getting hopelessly lost without the device. A scientist claims those who use the in-car computers are neglecting a ‘caveman’ ability to familiarise themselves with new terrain by taking mental ‘snapshots’ of it. Referring to the children in the fairytale who become lost in a forest after birds eat a trail of breadcrumbs they have laid for directions, Dr Rosamund Langston said: ‘The idea of a Hansel and Gretel generation seems like laugh. But it will probably take one sad instance of someone being led to an unfamiliar place by a sat-nav, the battery going flat and them getting lost to see just how dependent we have become.’ She said that using the systems lull the brains into a false sense of security meaning we keep one eye on the ‘flashing arrow’ instead of looking out of the window for vital reminders. Dr Langston, who is a lecturer in behavioural neuroscience at the University of Dundee, conducted the study into an ‘innate sense of direction’. Findings: Dr Rosamund Langston carried out the study She said using hi-tech mapping solutions will result in humans doing less of the navigation which forms one part of our natural ability to find our way around. More