2-minute Read (Not including Crossword)
Have you discovered ‘What 3 Words’?
I’m sure every instructor has experienced it. The nightmare to find a new pupils house, finally arriving to be met on the drive with “Yes, people always struggle finding us!” followed by an internal scream of “Why didn’t you give me better instructions?!” Or searching for ‘Beechwood Cottage’ in the middle of nowhere in the dark with sheeting rain! That definitely wasn’t practicality covered in my ADI training!
Postcodes can be inaccurate at best, and wrong at worst, allowing for confusion, disappointment and embarrassment. This is where ‘What 3 Words’ could provide you with a solution.
What3Words say:
“Street addresses weren’t designed for 2020. They aren’t accurate enough to specify precise locations, such as building entrances, and don’t exist for parks and many rural areas.
This makes it hard to find places and prevents people from describing exactly where help is needed in an emergency. This is why we created what3words.”
They have divided the world into 3-metre squares and have given each square a unique combination of three words. It’s the easiest way to find and share exact locations.
Visit what3words.com or download the What3Words app and locate your address. Click the square that is literally on your doorstep, and you will be presented with your 3 words. A unique identifying code that will ensure that your Standards Check letter arrives safely… But there are positives too!
For example, DVSA HQ would be located at ///waddle.dimes.unity (the /// is the symbol for What3Words). Type these words into the site and it will take you there.
How can this help?
Encourage your pupils to provide their 3 words leading you straight to their location. Either their house or the specific location where they want to meet you. Alternatively, you can send them your location on arrival, leading them straight to where you have parked. Reduce the chance of mixing up pickup locations and prevent lost lesson fees due to unfortunate errors.
By educating your pupils about What3Words may benefit them or their family in case of an emergency. If they break down or are in a collision they can use the words to identify their location. The app easily allows the 3 words to be sent via text or email, making it a very quick but accurate identifier in times of need,
You could incorporate the words into SatNav or a scavenger hunt style lesson.
Take a moment to visit the site what3words.com and explore how it could benefit you.
///W3W Crossword by theditc.co.uk
Take part in our What3Words Puzzle, it’s just for fun:
