Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution
A fatal accident that happened a few days ago in India reignited the criticism aimed at navigation apps, as two doctors who followed the instructions provided by Google Maps lost their lives after plunging into a river.
One of the doctors was driving the car carrying five people, using Google Maps to find the best route to their destination. Due to the heavy rain, the driver blindly trusted Google Maps directions, at one point taking a wrong turn and falling into a river.
The Kerala police took to Facebook to provide recommendations to Google Maps users, explaining that there are moments when not using the navigation app is the better option.
The post includes nearly a dozen tips, with the police explaining that Google Maps sometimes has no idea that natural disasters such as floods and heavy rain affect certain roads, leading to their complete closure. Authorities close roads because they're no longer safe during bad weather conditions, and Google Maps can't be updated in real time to reflect these changes.
The police also emphasize that Google Maps suggests routes with less traffic, which could be extremely dangerous during heavy rain, including monsoons.
The Kerala authorities go on to remind users that following Google Maps' suggested route at night or during heavy rain is not recommended. Sticking with a familiar route reduces the likelihood of accidents. The post explains that Google Maps can suggest routes that include fallen trees, flooded roads, or dangerous regions where drivers can get lost or face various hazards, putting their lives at risk.
If you really want to use Google Maps, the police recommend users download offline maps just to ensure they can find the destination even without a cellular signal. Losing the network condition is common during bad weather, so Google Maps should be able to find a route to a destination using locally stored maps. Additionally, law enforcement emphasizes that it's vital to choose the right transportation mode in Google Maps, as you shouldn't use navigation for the wrong vehicle category because this could send you on roads where you don't fit.
Google Maps is currently the world's number one mobile navigation app, though the competition in the navigation space is getting fiercer. Apple is working around the clock to improve Apple Maps, though the iPhone maker's solution is not there yet.
The latest iOS update brought offline map support, allowing users to navigate without Internet access. However, Apple Maps still lacks the coverage available in Google Maps, as the application is mainly focused on larger markets such as the United States. Google Maps is available nearly everywhere worldwide, providing state-of-the-art navigation on Android and iPhone. The platform is also available on the desktop, where drivers can plan their routes in advance.
The Kerala police took to Facebook to provide recommendations to Google Maps users, explaining that there are moments when not using the navigation app is the better option.
The post includes nearly a dozen tips, with the police explaining that Google Maps sometimes has no idea that natural disasters such as floods and heavy rain affect certain roads, leading to their complete closure. Authorities close roads because they're no longer safe during bad weather conditions, and Google Maps can't be updated in real time to reflect these changes.
The police also emphasize that Google Maps suggests routes with less traffic, which could be extremely dangerous during heavy rain, including monsoons.
The Kerala authorities go on to remind users that following Google Maps' suggested route at night or during heavy rain is not recommended. Sticking with a familiar route reduces the likelihood of accidents. The post explains that Google Maps can suggest routes that include fallen trees, flooded roads, or dangerous regions where drivers can get lost or face various hazards, putting their lives at risk.
If you really want to use Google Maps, the police recommend users download offline maps just to ensure they can find the destination even without a cellular signal. Losing the network condition is common during bad weather, so Google Maps should be able to find a route to a destination using locally stored maps. Additionally, law enforcement emphasizes that it's vital to choose the right transportation mode in Google Maps, as you shouldn't use navigation for the wrong vehicle category because this could send you on roads where you don't fit.
Google Maps is currently the world's number one mobile navigation app, though the competition in the navigation space is getting fiercer. Apple is working around the clock to improve Apple Maps, though the iPhone maker's solution is not there yet.
The latest iOS update brought offline map support, allowing users to navigate without Internet access. However, Apple Maps still lacks the coverage available in Google Maps, as the application is mainly focused on larger markets such as the United States. Google Maps is available nearly everywhere worldwide, providing state-of-the-art navigation on Android and iPhone. The platform is also available on the desktop, where drivers can plan their routes in advance.
Google News