Younger drivers (18-24 year olds) are the age group most likely to ignore maps, with 43% depending on their sat-nav alone to navigate, according to an AA Populus poll of 23,824 drivers.

However, most motorists turn to maps when planning car journeys.

Two-thirds of drivers have used a printed map in the past six months.

Around a third (35%) of respondents claim to use both sat nav and an atlas to plan a route with just 17% relying solely on sat nav.

Only 9% of over 65 year olds have ditched printed maps altogether.

Mike Parker, mapping expert and author of Mapping the Roads, said: "Technology has brought us in-car navigation systems to make getting around without a human navigator far easier. However, there are numerous tales of those who rely solely on this technology finding themselves in either completely the wrong location or on inappropriate roads for their vehicles. 

"With a good map, you can quite literally see the bigger picture, get a sense of the context of the landscape through which you're travelling and hunt down some unexpected gems along the way.

"The younger generation may be changing the way maps are used but even those using sat navs are still dependent on the mapping behind the devices, so maps and mapping the roads are still vital for the future of road travel."

The AA sat nav V maps fact-file shows:

* 60% have used an in-car sat nav in the last 6 months

* 63% have used a printed map in the last 6 months

In planning routes:

* 35% use a sat nav and printed map. 40% in Eastern England but just 27% in Scotland

* 19% have used the AA Route planner and print out

* 17% have used just a sat nav. Rises to 43% of 18-24 yr olds but just 9% of over 65s. 20% In London but just 14% in the SW

* 11% plan route with a map and take written instructions. Just 5% of 18-24 year olds do this compared to 15% of over 65s

* 7% use on-line maps

* 7% use only a printed map

* 1% never travel far enough to need a map or sat nav.

 

 

 

 

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