An SUV driver has found himself stranded atop a flight of stairs after blindly following Google Maps’ directions. India Today reports that the driver was looking for the “fastest route” from Gudalur to Karnataka. “Fastest route” The incident unfolded as friends returned from a weekend trip, relying on the navigation app to guide their way home. Gudalur, nestled at the tri-junction of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, is a popular vacation spot, especially for those heading to Ooty. Seeking efficiency, the group trusted Google Maps to lead them through what it claimed to be the fastest route through the police quarters. Contrary to their expectations, the route led them straight to a steep flight of stairs in a residential area. SUV stuck on stairs Caught in a precarious situation, the driver had no choice but to stop the SUV at the top of the stairs and call for assistance. Area residents and police officers responded swiftly to retrieve the vehicle, allowing the travellers to continue their journey to Karnataka. While Google Maps is renowned for its real-time traffic data and advanced algorithms, it is prone to mistakes. Users are usually advised to avoid overreliance or following the app’s directions blindly without considering the context. “You have arrived” In 2023, Kenyan content creator Kennedy Odhiambo, alias Crazy Kennar amused netizens with his skit on how tough it is to navigate using digital maps, especially in remote villages. Kennar shared a video showing his tough journey through a thick sugarcane plantation and stranger’s homes as directed by voice prompts from Google Maps. The video elicited comical responses, with many stating that Kennar’s skit accurately depicted challenges faced in less-travelled areas.
by Hillary Lisimba