Sat-nav manufacturer...

Sat-nav manufacturer Tomч­Tom says its owners make 12 per cent fewer insurance claims for acciч­dent damage to their cars

New research shows UK motorists are becoming increasingly reliant on guidance from the direction-finding kit - and that brings other advantages.

The study also reveals that you are likely to drive 18 per cent further to an unfamiliar destination without the help of sat-nav than when the system is switched on.

This is because drivers relying on other methods can end up not taking the most direct route. They are increasingly likely to be distracted and stressed, too, which can in turn increase travel time, according to Dutch research firm TNO. Scientists there also found that driving behaviour improves for motorists who are following instructions given by naviч­gation aids. A spokesman said: "They reduce the number of turns required to get to the destination, compared with conventional maps.

"Sat-nav users also stop less frequently, and make half as many inappropriate actions - such as ignoring traffic signs and warnings - as other motorists do," he added.

The benefits go further than that, however. Sat-nav manufacturer Tomч­Tom says its owners make 12 per cent fewer insurance claims for acciч­dent damage to their cars.

"Our tests have always proved that our products act as a genuine aid to driving," explained Alexander Ribbink, TomTom"s chief operating officer. "We provide motorists with the ability to keep their eyes on the road and get from A to B as safely and efficiently as possible."

It seems not everyone on the road is convinced by the route-finding kit, though; one van driver in every four is considering going back to maps. That"s because they find computerised voice instructions "too irritating", according to Vansunited.co.uk, an online vehicle supermarket.