Please Note: Your GPS System Doesn't Know The Depth Of The Flooded Road
from the when-machines-take-over dept
We've talked in the past about how when you have a computer aid you in a decision making process the tendency sometimes is to begin to trust the computer over your own common sense. Still, you would think there are some limits. Earlier this month, lots of folks were talking about a story in the UK where a car navigation system was leading people to the edge of a cliff -- though, no one had yet driven over the edge (a few did get stuck). However, Engadget now points to an even more extreme example (also in the UK), where people are so trusting of their GPS system that they're driving right into extremely deep water, on a road that's been closed due to flooding. There are warning signs about the road being closed, and the water itself looks pretty obvious. However, there are apparently one or two drivers per day who are so trusting of their GPS system that they try to drive right on through -- only to have to be rescued. In some ways this might not be that surprising. Drivers often don't do a very good job estimating the depth of water hazards -- and often feel they can drive right on through. On top of that, if you're in an area where you're unfamiliar with the roads, it can be unnerving, so some people may feel they have to trust their GPS system (forgetting that most will recalculate a path if the road you want is no good). Still, though, you would think that the signs announcing the road as being closed, and the amount of water present, would be a tip off that something was problematic.
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hah
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It doesn't take much depth at alll
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Ohhh...
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Re: Ohhh...
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Quick clarification
More here at Channel 4 News (UK).
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And while we`re talking about cars driving off of cliffs and into dams: why the hell are we still driving around in cars powered by fossil fuels? Where the hell is my floating car? Goddamnit, every futuristic show in the 80`s predicted I´d be cruising in my very own flying automobile with optional timetravel by 2001.
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This isnt news, people have been doing this for years. With or without computer assistance.
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uhm
Goddamnit. I wrote that thing about the flying cars above. You don`t have to trace my ip.
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New policy...you do something stupid and get into deep s**t...in this case, water, YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN! It's population control. Take the damn warnings down...make people actually use their brains instead on relying on society to make all their decisions for them (which they arent allowed to do that either because it's against the 'basic american rights').
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Dare for more
Don't warry there is no sugar :)
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GPS Implantable chips
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Re: GPS Implantable chips
Yea...was walking down the street, POOF! the kid across the street dissapeared! At the mall, POOF! And even in the schools POOF!
In fact, I expect another kid napping...NOW
NO CARRIER
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Why Knight Rider got canceled
Micheal Knight: What, here? Are you crazy!?
KITT: ~~Please turn left in 50 Meters~~
Micheal Knight: Duh ok if you insist
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Hell YES! Everyone in favor of Population Control say AYE!
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Re:
It al just proves that the majority of people are just to stupid to live - only all the safety devices and rules are keeping them around.
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A Solution
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population control
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Yes it does!
Stupid GPS
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Re: Yes it does!
Everywhere is 15 feet above where I'm at, too!
LOL!
Oh, and YEA!
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