In a recent incident highlighting the pitfalls of blind reliance on navigation apps, a family from Hyderabad narrowly escaped a potentially fatal mishap when their Ford Endeavour SUV veered off-course into a swollen river in Kerala’s Kuruppanthara, Kottayam district. Late on a rainy Friday night, the family, en route to Alappuzha district, found themselves in dire straits after following Google Maps’ directions on a waterlogged road amidst heavy rainfall.
Despite their vigilance and slow pace, the SUV succumbed to the treacherous conditions, plunging into the river. The family, comprising four members, including a woman, managed a fortunate escape, thanks to the timely intervention of a passing police patrol vehicle and assistance from locals. Recounting the harrowing ordeal, the driver emphasized the sudden loss of control as the vehicle succumbed to the force of the water, necessitating a swift exit through the windows to safety.
This incident underscores a recurring trend wherein travelers, particularly in South India, fall victim to the misleading guidance of navigation apps like Google Maps. Earlier instances, including a Toyota Fortuner stuck on a staircase and a truck stranded in a reservoir in Telangana, serve as cautionary tales of the hazards posed by over-reliance on technology in unfamiliar terrain.
Local residents attribute such mishaps to inadequate signage, often obscured or overlooked by unsuspecting travelers misled by digital navigation aids. Despite the emergence of such incidents, there remains a need for heightened awareness and caution when navigating unfamiliar routes, especially in regions prone to adverse weather conditions.
As the SUV was retrieved from the river, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of exercising caution and local knowledge alongside technology-driven navigation, to ensure safe and hassle-free travel experiences.
