The global positioning system (GPS) could fail next year according to a report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office.  Repairs are not moving quickly enough to prevent failure, and hundreds of people who use GPS can be vulnerable to car accidents.Our firm’s car accident attorneys know hundreds of drivers use a GPS system in their car as a way to get directions to places they are not familiar with.  Even though a GPS system can cause car accidents because drivers are paying attention to the road on the GPS and not the actual road, GPS systems do have practical uses.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) said the Air Force has struggled to stay within cost while building new GPS satellites.  So far, one program has cost up to $870 million and the launch of its first satellite has been pushed back to November 2009.

“If the Air Force does not meet its schedule goals for development of GPS IIIA satellites, there will be an increased likelihood that in 2010, as old satellites begin to fail, the overall GPS constellation will fall below the number of satellites required to provide the level of GPS service that the U.S. government commits to,” the report said.

For an invention like GPS to work, all aspects of the program need to work properly.  The wrong equipment or technology can result in problems for millions of drivers who use GPS every day.  Lack of GPS satellites or technology in space can lead to car accidents on the road and force drivers to seek medical treatment for their injuries.

The Air Force also has had problems synchronizing the next generation of GPS satellites with the ground control and user equipment and hinders satellite capabilities.

Our car accident lawyers believe the invention of GPS was a useful idea even though for some it is a big distraction (but, we believe compared to maps, it is a big improvement), but upgrading the system is necessary to make sure that drivers who use GPS are not in danger of getting into car accidents that cause personal injury or wrongful death.

If you were injured and believe that you deserve compensation, then call our bilingual law offices right away at 1-858-551-2090 or click here for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney and find out how we can help you.  We look forward to providing good advice for your case.  There is no fee if no recovery.