A group of researchers studied GPS navigation and found that it often misleads drivers and takes them to surrounding villages, gravel roads closed for vehicles and roads packed with traffic. Most of the time, drivers blindly trust the GPS and do not pay attention to signs that can help them navigate. Google Maps is hugely responsible for giving incorrect route suggestions to drivers which makes them end up on dangerous or challenging roads.
The researcher of the study said that they are trying to understand this technology because it is helpful for billions of people so it is important to learn the social implications of it too. As there was no documentation about this situation, the researchers used news sites and internet posts to find out about accidents that happened because of wrong GPS navigation. The researchers mostly used English texts to understand thoroughly about the incidents. As GPS navigation apps are getting common, the incidents related to it are more likely to happen.
The researchers gathered ninety incidents due to poor navigation between 2010 and 2023. Most of the traffic disruptions were because of traffic jams and directing heavy traffic on roads which were not designed for such kind of traffic. There were less reports of traffic violations and disturbances. There were also some accidents reported with damage to roads too.
The researchers suggested that we shouldn't only make changes about GPS navigation on the local level but more systematic changes should be made. In addition to making the technology better, it is also best if drivers are provided additional information about suggested routes so they can decide for themselves. People should also be more considerate of traffic laws to avoid any safety risks.
Image: DIW-Aigen
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The researcher of the study said that they are trying to understand this technology because it is helpful for billions of people so it is important to learn the social implications of it too. As there was no documentation about this situation, the researchers used news sites and internet posts to find out about accidents that happened because of wrong GPS navigation. The researchers mostly used English texts to understand thoroughly about the incidents. As GPS navigation apps are getting common, the incidents related to it are more likely to happen.
The researchers gathered ninety incidents due to poor navigation between 2010 and 2023. Most of the traffic disruptions were because of traffic jams and directing heavy traffic on roads which were not designed for such kind of traffic. There were less reports of traffic violations and disturbances. There were also some accidents reported with damage to roads too.
The researchers suggested that we shouldn't only make changes about GPS navigation on the local level but more systematic changes should be made. In addition to making the technology better, it is also best if drivers are provided additional information about suggested routes so they can decide for themselves. People should also be more considerate of traffic laws to avoid any safety risks.
Read next: Threads Soars: Meta's Rising Force in Social Media with 275 Million Users
