Researchers from the SberAvto service and the Rambler & Co media holding company teamed up with market experts to explore how much Russians trust navigation systems and why these devices are so widely used. The findings shed light on everyday driving habits and the evolving relationship people have with car navigators in a modern transportation landscape.
In the survey, a large majority, about 85 percent, reported using a navigation device at least periodically. Within this group, 38 percent turn on the navigator when they face an unfamiliar route, 23 percent rely on it daily for guidance, 16 percent switch it on for longer journeys, and 8 percent activate it to help steer around traffic jams. A minority, roughly 15 percent, said they do not use a navigator at all. These patterns illustrate how ingrained digital routing has become for many travelers who seek reliable, turn-by-turn directions in real time and want to minimize detours and delays on the road.
Regarding data sources and dissemination, the material presents a snapshot of consumer behavior in the country, highlighting how often people depend on the device and where they prefer to access it. The breakdown shows that navigation is most commonly used on mobile devices by about 76 percent of users, followed by dedicated navigation gadgets at 12 percent, and built-in vehicle panels at 4 percent. This spread underscores the importance of mobile compatibility and the growing role of integrated car systems in shaping route choices and driving routines.
Only a portion of navigators is followed in full by drivers. About 34 percent of users adhere to every instruction provided by the system, while 49 percent take a more cautious approach by double-checking the suggested route. In contrast, 11 percent focus solely on the destination and drive without heeding the navigator, and 6 percent ignore the guidance altogether, choosing a different path. This mix reveals diverse attitudes toward automation and varying levels of confidence in machine-generated directions, influenced by personal experience and situational awareness on the road.
Another aspect explored is how drivers interact with navigators over time. Nearly half of the respondents engage in conversations with the electronic assistant, with 23 percent expressing frustration when the route proves inaccurate, 11 percent offering feedback on the proposed options, 10 percent discussing traffic conditions through the device, and 5 percent jokingly attempting to outsmart the system while aiming to arrive sooner by their own route. These interactions reflect a blend of emotional responses and practical expectations as drivers negotiate the balance between autonomy and assistance in real-time navigation.
Overall satisfaction with navigator performance shows room for improvement. About 76 percent of users expressed partial dissatisfaction, citing issues such as confusing routes (38 percent), late maneuver suggestions (13 percent), inaccurate traffic reporting (7 percent), poor courtyard orientation (7 percent), occasional freezing or unresponsiveness (6 percent), and missed markers (5 percent). These concerns illustrate common pain points that affect driver trust and perceived reliability, especially in complex urban environments or less mapped areas where precision matters most for efficient travel planning.
The survey gathered responses from more than 150 thousand participants across the country, offering a broad view of how navigation tools are perceived and used within diverse driving contexts. The results help build a more complete picture of the current state of in-car navigation adoption and the ongoing evolution of how technology supports everyday mobility on roads of all kinds.
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