In the News

Chances are you've heard the ongoing story about the missing family in Oregon. Emily C., emailed me saying,

I found this article interesting as I am familiar with that part of Oregon (my folks live nearby) and have driven through that mountain range. It is pretty treacherous even in summer/ good weather driving conditions. They don’t have snowplowing operations on those roads like we have in the Midwest so after snowstorms the non-Interstate mountain passes can be shut down for literally weeks.

Automobile mapping systems and driving direction websites were also referenced in a couple articles (although they didn’t mention if the family used them) as a possible explanation on how drivers can get easily lost in unfamiliar areas – the maps can give inaccurate route guidance that often mislead travelers. Fastest route doesn’t always equal best/ safest route – or best for poor weather conditions, etc.

We don't know if GPS directions played a part in this case, yet its a very blunt reminder that technology can only go so far, you still need to rely on common sense. On the lighter side of things, check out the GPS mis-adventures links on The Map Room for stories of people driving into sandpiles, staircases and train stations by just following their GPS directions.