Car Ends Up In River In Kerala: Driver Blames Google Maps

In a recent incident in Kerala, India, a driver relying on Google Maps drove his car into a river, mistaking it for a road. The event occurred when four friends from Hyderabad embarked on a road trip to Alappuzha, Kerala, in their Ford Endeavour.

Unfamiliar with the local roads, the group depended entirely on Google Maps for navigation. At one point, the map indicated a turn towards a specific location. Without verifying the terrain, the driver followed the direction, only to find themselves driving into a river instead of a road.

Google Maps Leads Car into Kerala River

Realising their mistake after a few minutes, one of the passengers managed to escape and alerted nearby villagers. The villagers promptly came to their aid and rescued the remaining three individuals from the car. The fire department was also informed and, with the help of a JCB machine, retrieved the submerged vehicle.

The incident has since gone viral on social media. When questioned, the driver explained that he was following Google Maps and mistook the water for a puddle due to recent rain. Fortunately, the car was moving at a slow speed of 10m/h, preventing it from going too deep into the river.

This event highlights the importance of being attentive and aware of one's surroundings while using navigation tools like Google Maps. Blindly following digital directions without checking actual road conditions can lead to dangerous situations. It is always advisable to seek directions from locals in unfamiliar areas.

Google Maps Leads Car into Kerala River

This is not an isolated case. Similar incidents have been reported in various parts of India in the past. While Google continuously updates its maps based on user data, it is essential to remember that this information may not always be accurate or complete.

DriveSpark Thinks

Using Google Maps for navigation is undoubtedly helpful, but it should not be relied upon entirely. Drivers should always pay attention to their surroundings and exercise caution, especially on rural roads or unfamiliar paths. Seeking directions from locals can provide additional safety and prevent such mishaps.

Article Published On: Sunday, May 26, 2024, 13:00 [IST]
Read more on: #off beat
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