By Dave Millhouser

It was pitch black when the coach stopped.

I was sleeping in the back, and a voice whispered it was my turn to drive.

JR, the other driver, and I passed each other in the aisle -- in a dance reminiscent of Sumo wrestling. I eventually settled into the drivers seat.

JR had been kind enough to pull into a 24-hour gas station, so coffee was available, but the highway was nowhere to be seen. We were in western Kansas and the only light, in any direction, came from the stars.

Celestial navigation is not my strong suit, so I turned to the passenger in the front seat and asked if she knew which direction led to the highway. She said "I thought bus drivers were supposed to know that stuff."

In modern times, this would have been a no-brainer. A glance at the GPS, and wed have been off. Since we didnt have this electronic icon to mans reluctance to ask for directions, I had to ask the gas station attendant.

Global Positioning Systems have become a great asset to the transportation industry, saving time and embarrassment. In some mysterious manner they commune with a bunch of satellites and tell us where to go (even showing us where we are on a map).

A few crafty rascals have been using them since marine units became portable, but those puppies only understood straight lines and had no respect for roads.

There are a number of different variations available and like most technology they come with both benefits and risks.

Drivers often own portable units, which they can configure as they like. Most have video displays and a voice that talks them through a trip. Some have internet access that can identify traffic patterns and suggest alternate routes. Most have the ability to display speed, which can be useful for drivers who want to check the accuracy of the coachs speedometer. Many have a database of roadside services.

Once you own a GPS, the satellite service is free but detailed mapping and web access can cost.

Coach manufacturers now offer dash-mounted systems that offer the same features as a portable, in some cases offering the option of displaying the coachs location on the passengers video monitors. Tour groups seem to enjoy this feature, but if you dont want them to know where they are (or how fast youre going), it can be switched off.

Many of these units can be programmed to generate a route appropriate to the vehicle you dont want to be driving your bus on a route generated for a trail bike.

One specialized variation of the coach-mounted GPS is a system that notifies the driver of nearby obstructions, based on comparing the current position to a list of known low clearances. It doesnt have a mapping display and is only effective if the database is current. A glance out the windshield can save a major headache (pun intended).

Its important to keep the units maps current. Many offer the ability to, for a price, download the latest information. Its an inexpensive way to avoid closed roads, and find shortcuts.

GPS benefits are obvious, but they are a tool, not a god. If that booming voice says to turn left into that wall . . . ignore it. This is ADVICE, not an order (and its coming from a gizmo that doesnt really care). Drivers still need to take that occasional peek through the windshield because they, not the electronic do-dads, are responsible for the result.

Drivers always should have an understanding of their route.

The GPS needs to be able to see several satellites to provide good information. When satellites hide behind buildings, tunnels or bridges the unit may become schizophrenic and the voice your driver hears is no longer a friend. This usually happens in the bowels of a large, strange city when drivers REALLY need it to work.

It can take an eternity (or several minutes) for the unit to figure out where it is, and begin to make sense.

Years ago, five coaches were convoying westward on Interstate 80, when we stopped to fuel. We cleverly put Dave, who was the weakest link, at the head of the group, based on the assumption he had lots of help following him.

Departing the fuel stop, Fearless Leader Dave proudly turned onto the ramp marked "I-80 East" and put the hammer down. No amount of honking or flashing of lights could deter him so, the other four buses turned west, sadly bidding him adieu.

No matter how simple things seem or how much help youve got, youve gotta look out the windshield, read the signs and have an understanding of where youre heading.

Waterboarding could not make me divulge Daves last name.

Dave Millhouser is a bus industry marketing consultant and freelance writer. Contact him at: dave_millhouser@hotmail.com.