Google Maps blunder, again? GPS leads another car to canal fall: Details

Google Maps blunder, again?

Days after the GPS-led fall from an under-construction flyover resulted in the tragic demise of three Uttar Pradesh youth, this time, three passengers narrowly escaped a potential tragedy when their car plunged into a canal near Barkapur village in the state. The incident, which occurred on the Bareilly-Pilibhit state highway, has once again raised concerns about over-reliance on GPS navigation systems.
The sedan, driven by Divyanshu Singh from Auraiya, was headed to Pilibhit when it reached a eroded section of the road near the Kalapur canal. The police has confirmed that they were following Google Maps’ directions. However, it cannot be confirmed it navigation solely was responsible for the fall. Fortunately, all three passengers managed to get out safely without any injuries. Local residents immediately alerted authorities, and emergency services arrived timely to rescue the occupants and retrieve the car using a crane.

Just few days back, a similar incident in Bareilly ended tragically when a car guided by GPS drove off an incomplete flyover, killing three people. That accident led to police filing charges against Public Works Department engineers and an unidentified Google Maps representative.

How to be cautious while travelling on unknown roads

We rely heavily on navigation apps these days to get around, and while they’re incredibly helpful, these recent incidents show that we need to stay cautious. Accidents like the recent ones in Uttar Pradesh remind us that GPS systems can sometimes lead us onto risky or damaged roads, especially in rural areas or during bad weather like fog.
In these cases, the drivers aren’t really at fault as they’re just following directions. But being extra careful by double-checking road conditions or asking locals for advice can go a long way in staying safe. It’s important to use navigation as a tool, but also to stay aware of unexpected risks that might not show up on a map.