- #1
mugaliens
- 197
- 1
Actually, it's not GPS itself which is at fault, but the software or those who use them.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100102/ap_on_hi_te/us_stranded_motorists" blindly followed their GPS on a shortcut through mountain ranges in the winter and became stuck in the snow.
I find that easy to believe, at least about the GPS part, as I occasionally see GPS instructions that do not jibe with the reality of the roads.
One item I found poorly written in the article:
"Law enforcement officials and travel experts have a variety of recommendations for people who use GPS in the winter or in strange territory:
If you're going into remote areas during the winter, take chains! 4WD helps a lot, at least for motive power (no difference in braking).
Most recently, while traveling home to Colorado Springs from Denver Airport (DEN), I had selected my GPS to use toll roads (normally I avoid toll roads). It still took me the old route, to I-225, instead of via the I-470 toll road. I think it's slightly shorter, but traffic can back up for miles.
Fortunately, traffic was light, so I saved some bucks!
How many of you have had similar incidents with GPS? Not necessary getting stuck in the snow requiring a search party, but just being given bad info?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100102/ap_on_hi_te/us_stranded_motorists" blindly followed their GPS on a shortcut through mountain ranges in the winter and became stuck in the snow.
I find that easy to believe, at least about the GPS part, as I occasionally see GPS instructions that do not jibe with the reality of the roads.
One item I found poorly written in the article:
"Law enforcement officials and travel experts have a variety of recommendations for people who use GPS in the winter or in strange territory:
"Use an old-fashioned paper map as a backup. Pack a survival kit for the winter. Configure your GPS for "highways only," or a similar setting, so that you don't get directed to byways in the winter. Top off your gasoline tank, and charge your cell phone batteries before going into remote areas. Pay attention to the weather." (bold mine)
If you're going into remote areas during the winter, take chains! 4WD helps a lot, at least for motive power (no difference in braking).
Most recently, while traveling home to Colorado Springs from Denver Airport (DEN), I had selected my GPS to use toll roads (normally I avoid toll roads). It still took me the old route, to I-225, instead of via the I-470 toll road. I think it's slightly shorter, but traffic can back up for miles.
Fortunately, traffic was light, so I saved some bucks!
How many of you have had similar incidents with GPS? Not necessary getting stuck in the snow requiring a search party, but just being given bad info?
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