Sat-navs are meant to be helpful in-car accessories which lower the chance of us getting horribly lost somewhere, while at the same time estimating how long it will be before we reach our destination.

However, new research by a leading supermarket, which also offers its customers car insurance, shows that 7.2 million UK drivers are playing a potentially deadly game with their GPS system.

According to the survey, some motorists are trying to get to their destination in less time than is estimated by the sat-nav.

This dangerous game is being called sat-nav racing, and could result in a car accident and cause people severe injuries or even death.

Apparently, more than 144,000 of these racers admitted to being involved in a road traffic accident or hitting a parked car in the past year.

A spokesperson for road safety charity Brake stated, “Any craze or "game" that encourages speeding is irresponsible and potentially lethal.

“It is putting lives at risk. Anyone who is behind the wheel of a car has a responsibility towards other road users. Beating the sat-nav should not be their first concern.

“It is irresponsible and offensive to people who have already lost their lives in accidents. It is putting even more lives at risk.”

We agree. Getting from ‘A’ to ‘B’ safely is much more important than getting there quickly.