In the latest series of incidents where passengers find themselves on unexpected routes and locations due to misguidance by Google Maps, an SUV driver faced a peculiar situation in Gudalur, a hill town in Tamil Nadu- he ended up stuck on a flight of steps.
This incident occurred as the man was returning to Karnataka after spending the weekend in Gudalur with his friends. He was using the navigation app for directions on their way back to Karnataka.
Gudalur, situated at a tri-junction among Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, is a popular holiday destination, often visited by tourists heading to Ooty.
Following Google Maps' directions, the friends were led through the Police Quarters, which the navigation maps application claimed to be the "fastest route".
However, the route led them to a steep flight of stairs in a residential area. Unable to proceed, the driver brought the vehicle to a stop on the stairs and requested assistance.
Residents and police officers came to their aid, assisting the group in manoeuvring the SUV back to the main road, enabling them to resume their journey back to Karnataka.
This is not the first time people have found themselves in dangerous situations because of Google Maps. While the app is undeniably useful in various situations, following it blindly, can make you land in a tricky or even life-threatening situation.
It is important to exercise caution when relying on technology for navigation, particularly in unfamiliar and challenging weather conditions.