After following Google Maps’ recommended fastest route through Corcoran, California, a few families found themselves opting for the latter choice when they became stranded in the mud. As a result, they had no choice but to spend the night in their cars and survive on a limited diet of watermelon and chips.
Earlier this month, the incident occurred when Google Maps directed the cars to take Avenue 88 west of Highway 43, presumably as an alternate route promising a quicker estimated time of arrival (ETA). As the vehicles continued on the muddy road, one car ultimately became stuck in the same location where two other vehicles were already grappling to free themselves.
Despite attempting various methods to extract the cars from the mud, such as placing signs under the wheels or digging holes for traction, the group of 11 individuals was left with no choice but to spend the night in their vehicles. Lacking water and limited to consuming only watermelon and chips, the drivers reached out to the California Highway Patrol for assistance late in the evening, but were informed that help could not be provided at that time.
On the following day, the stranded travelers reached out to the Sherriff’s Office, prompting the dispatch of multiple units, including a tow truck and a fire truck, to assist in extricating everyone from the muddy situation. Ironically, the tow truck itself became stuck in the mud, leading to the timely intervention of a farmer equipped with a tractor, who successfully rescued the vehicles from their predicament.
Undoubtedly, spending the night in a stranded car without assistance in a remote location is an unpleasant experience. However, it serves as a reminder for every driver to exercise caution and avoid blindly relying on navigation apps. Applications like Google Maps and Waze prioritize finding the fastest route to a destination, but occasionally, they may direct you onto roads unsuitable for your vehicle. It is essential to exercise judgment and consider road conditions when following their guidance.
According to images provided by local media, it appears that the road where the three vehicles became stuck was unpaved. It is likely that the users of Google Maps failed to configure the app correctly for their preferences. Google Maps includes a specific setting to avoid unpaved roads, and if this option is not enabled, the suggested routes may inadvertently lead to muddy, closed, or challenging roads simply because they offer the fastest way to the destination programmed in the app.
