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According to a recent study released by NAVTEQ, the average U.S. driver that uses a GPS system with real-time traffic updates is able to cut nearly 4 days off of their annual commute as well as decrease their carbon footprint by over 21%.

Both of these data points should be reason enough for you to go out and pick up a new GPS with real-time traffic updates.Â Think about it: how much would you be willing to pay to cut four days off of your annual commute AND reduce your emissions by 21%?Â That would probably be worth a couple hundred bucks a year to you, right?

Well, funny, because that’s about how much a new Garmin Nuvi GPS with real-time traffic updates costs.

As the late Billy Mays would say, “But wait!Â There’s more!”

Even if the $200 outlay for the GPS is a problem – and considering this economy, it very well may be – the fact that not only will you be reducing your carbon footprint, but you’ll be saving lots of money on gasoline means you’ll probably be able to pay off the expense after using the GPS just a couple of months.

In looking around Amazon.com, I was able to find a brand new Garmin Nuvi GPS with traffic updates on sale for just $199.99 – which is a 71% discount from its list price.

As someone who recently picked up a GPS, based on the 1.5 hours it saved me on my drive to and from the beach, I think the system is worth its weight in gold.Â However, when you couple it with the fact I’ll shave days off my commute and reduce my car’s carbon footprint by nearly a quarter, it looks like one of the best purchases I’ve ever made.

What are your thoughts?Â Please leave your comments below!