Most motorists cannot read a map!

London, Aug 6: They may be adept at driving, but most drivers are at a lost when it comes to reading a map. The finding comes from a study commissioned by British insurer Esure. As a part of the study, 1,000 drivers aged 18 to 65 were surveyed.

Esure found that the satellite navigation systems is probably to blame for the fact that of all the motorists who took part, almost 50 per cent are unable to identify simple map symbols.

50 percent in larger terms would mean around 15 million people.

Based on the survey, the researchers also concluded that about 11million 'cannot read a basic road map.'

The dependence on the satnavs us despite evidence that the gadgets also goof up and direct drivers down routes that are impossible to follow.

The researchers found that 63 per cent of motorists - equivalent to 21million - would be lost without a satnav system.

And though men claim to be better at reading maps than women, the researchers found that women were better when it came to reading map symbols.

If they were made to read a man, the survey found that 55 percent of the people would not be able to locate a public convenience, 31 per cent would fail to pinpoint a picnic site and 54 per cent would not be able pick out a railway station.

Colin Batabyal, of Esure, said that it was 'embarrassing' that Cub Scouts were able to read the map better than adults.

&34;It's pretty embarrassing that the majority of Cub Scouts have better mapreading skills than the majority of the adult population,&34; the Daily Mail quoted him, as saying.

&34;This could lead to dangerous scenarios where people are relying solely on technology which can break down,&34; he added.

ANI
>