Plenty of new cars come equipped with infotainment systems, which integrate phone calls or text messages, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road at all time.
The problem lies with older cars that don't have that technology, with drivers often dangerously texting while driving, taking their eyes off the road for precious seconds, which could potentially cost them their lives.
Garmin's DriveSmart 60 LMT advanced GPS system can help bring those models up to date, while keeping drivers safe in the process.
More than anything, the DriveSmart 60 LMT's seamless integration and connectivity stood out to me, while using the device to drive around New York City, recently.
Before my trip, I synced my iPhone with the system via Bluetooth in seconds. From there, I was taken aback by how seamless the DriveSmart 60's smart notifications are. While having my turn-by-turn navigational mapping directions on the unit's beautiful 6-inch screen, I got a text message from my brother.
Seamlessly, the navigational mapping goes from full screen to about 60 to 70 percent, creating the space on the right-hand side of the display for my brother's text to appear as a smart notification.
I found calls to work just as seamlessly, getting an alert of an incoming call, which I had the option of answering or ignoring right on the DriveSmart 60 device itself. The unit touts a nice, clean speaker that allows the call to be clear on both ends while driving.
Quite frankly, the pinpoint accuracy of the DriveSmart 60's navigational mapping and seamless integration and connectivity with the text messages and phone calls should be enough to satiate most consumers. But Garmin takes it further with several more smart features to help drivers in their daily commutes or even weekend road trips.
The DriveSmart 60 comes equipped with voice-activated navigation, allowing drivers to bark commands while keeping their eyes on the road that much longer — although I found the unit suction-cupped onto the middle of my windshield as not being a distraction at all.
Past incoming text messages and phone calls, the GPS navigator extends its alerts to situational awareness on the road, whether they be sharp curves ahead, steep speed changes and even railroad and animal crossings.
There are additional alert warnings available for when approaching traffic lights with speed cameras installed in them and even fatigue warnings that suggest break times or potential rest areas for longer trips.
The navigator even has the ability to tap into traffic jam warnings and lifetime traffic avoidance, which alerts drivers about wrecks, slow downs and construction delays, along with the function to also use landmarks as guidance, the way many drivers do anyway.
As I said, though, if the features were to cut off after the GPS navigation and text message/phone call integration and connectivity, the device would still be worth its $270 price tag.
With automakers striving to make their vehicles more connected, the DriveSmart 60 successfully pumps some tech life into older models, while extending some features to even give drivers a safer ride.
Clever device.
