Letter of complaint to Garmin

[domekrome]

Below is a letter of complaint that I submitted to Garmin, regarding the role their unit palyed in my accident:

I currently have a StreetPilot 2610, software version 4.70, s/n xxxxxxx. I use this unit in conjunction with MapSource v6.11.1. All software/firmware versions were current at the time of my departure, on 15 July, 2006 on a cross-Canada motorcycle vacation. I have had this unit configured to avoid gravel roads for quite a while, if not from the time of purchase.

On the morning of August 7th, 2006, I departed Morris, Manitoba for Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, via Estevan, Saskatchewan. I chose to use the fastest route as determined by the unit. Things proceeded well enough for the first couple of hours, until I was routed along secondary "highways" in southern Saskatchewan, namely the 345 & 361. Both of these highways are gravel roads, something I explicitly configured my 2610 to avoid. Being unfamiliar with this area of the country, I followed the directions provided by my GPS, as previous experience lead me to believe that it was fairly reliable.

Riding along the 361, near the speed limit (80 kmh), I encountered a large patch of soft gravel. Hitting this gravel induced a "tank slapper" which is a violent shaking of the handlebars, and subsequently lost control of my motorcycle. The resultant wipe out saw me land on my head, destroying my helmet, both turn-signals on the right side of my bike, bent my handlebar, damaged my steering lock, and significant damage to the right cylinder head of my 2003 BMW R1150R Rockster; the clamping mechanism for my right-side saddlebag was snapped in half, preventing me from securing it to my motorcycle properly. In addition, I suffered injury to my neck and left shoulder, as well as some abrasions.

To facilitate repairs to my motorcycle, I had to have my bike towed to the nearest BMW dealer/service centre, Wildwood Sports, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, a total of approximately 580 kms to the east. Waiting for parts, required that I spend 4 nights in Winnipeg, something that I had not intended to do on this leg of my vacation. In fact, if all had gone well, I would have gotten much closer to my home in Vancouver during that time, rather than deal with the aftermath of following faulty directions provided by my 2610.

[R4R&R]

Good luck on them doing anything for you. I know when I turn my Garmin GPS, it gives me a disclaimer to read. I haven't read it but I know that ultimately I'm responsible for my own routing. I can't tell on paper maps sometimes that roads are gravel, so I ride cautiously.

[domekrome]

I don't really think that they'll do anything for me, but I wanted to voice my complaint, as I feel that it is a legitimate one. I don't deny personal responsibility for my actions. I am a big boy, and it certainly was my choice to follow directions of dubious value.

However, I believe that they should be made aware of the faulty routing that their unit provided, and to route me against my configured preferences is faulty routing. It won't do me any real good at this point, but it may help future customers.

[rock712]

Any word back from garmin?

[domekrome]

Any word back from garmin?

Nope

[Doug]

You cant seriously expect them to reply! I dont even think that Garmin is at fault here - they buy the mapping information from a cartography company I believe. I have a lot of experience with the 2620 and a nuvi and they are the best consumer-grade mobile gps systems in the world..period! You need to use your own best judgement when riding... look ahead, far ahead!

I'm glad to hear you are ok after a tank slapper. Those are scary, eh? But you know in your heart ts not garmin's fault. If you need to place blame, I'd say its more the highway department fault for not having a sign indicating the change in pavement. Here in NY they even indicate when the pavement has a bump in it!