Every year, many drivers are stranded on a flooded road in Queensland, Australia, following directions on Google Maps. The people of Burketown have repeatedly had to rescue drivers, tourists, … from a flooded road they could not cross after they followed the route suggested by Google.
Many vehicles get bogged down or stuck during the rainy season.
National Highway 1 along the Gulf of Carpentaria is the most commonly recommended route for the distance between Cairns and Darwin, even during the flood season of the year.
Instead of directing users to a safer route south through Mount Isa, Google Maps leads them straight into the “hell” route. Burketown is one of a number of Gulf Carpentarian communities that are often cut off by floodwaters during the annual rainy season.
Mayor Ernie Camp said locals are fed up with rescuing motorists every year because it wastes already limited community resources. “There should be an examination of suggested routes in the app and advice on seasonal road conditions.” he said.
Burketown is a very deserted town
Many people were trapped by floodwaters on their way into Burketown. Photo provided by Queensland police
After being alerted to the issue, Google said it would work on fixing its route recommendations to make it more suitable during the rainy season. “When there are inaccuracies, we work to fix them as quickly as possible.”a Google spokesman said.
Reference: ABC