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What's the harm in relying on GPS?
Satellite navigation systems are a godsend to the modern driver. But the data contained in them is not perfect and should not be relied on blindly. People can get hurt. Read more about GPS navigation
Here are 53 people who were harmed by someone not thinking critically.
Paula CeelyAge: 20 |
Auto wrecked by train collision |
| Her GPS led her to a gate that she did not realize was a railroad crossing. When she heard the train horn, she knew it was trouble. She said later of satnavs: "People should be more careful with them - you never know where they might lead you." Read More | |
Julie Jackson, Delcie Fielder & dozens of othersAge: 45, 70, etc. |
Flooded car, towing fees |
| Following navigation system instructions in this town can lead you directly into a ford over the source of the river Avon. When its raining, the river overflows and the ford is not safe. Flooded cars have had to be towed dozens of times. Read More | |
23 high school softball playersWashington Park Arboretum, Seattle, Washington |
Injuries, bus destroyed |
| A charter bus driver ferrying a high school softball team relied on a GPS system and did not notice the clearance signs. The 11 foot high bus plowed into a 9 foot high bridge. 23 people were briefly hospitalized and the bus was destroyed. Read More | |
British railroad industryEngland |
£10 million & 5,000 hours of delays per year |
| Truck drivers in England, blindly following the instructions of their satnav systems, collide with up to 2,000 bridges per year, damaging them. This requires repairs to the bridge and often delays rail traffic that would use those bridges. Read More | |
"John Doe"Age: 80 |
Trip disrupted, towing fees |
| He followed the instructions of his GPS, even when it sent him into a construction site. His car got trapped in sand. Read More | |
"John Doe"Age: 53 |
Damaged his car, fines |
| His GPS system said "turn right now". He obeyed without considering the consequences. He collided with a structure, damaging his car and the structure. He was fined. Read More | |
"Hayley X"Age: Late 20s |
£96,000 auto destroyed, life endangered |
| Following the instructions on her navigation system to use a creek ford, the driver failed to notice it was swelled by torrential rain. The car was swept away and she had to be rescued. The car was a total loss. Read More | |