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this post was submitted on 02 Feb 2024
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And what exactly would you have done differently? At what point would you have started to ignore the GPS directions and randomly drive around in an area you know nothing about?
This isn't the same as driving off a cliff or the wrong direction on a one-way road, these people were targeted by experienced criminals. I'm not saying it's Google's fault, but maybe let's try to avoid blaming the victims of a vicious attack.
Maybe don't try to blame a map for giving you directions to a place you asked to go to.
I'm not really sure what point you're trying to make, since I very clearly wrote I also don't think this was Google's fault (even if they did stop sending people through that area a mere couple of weeks after this incident).
I also don't think it's fair to blame these people for this, and so I'm trying to understand what you would've done differently in the same situation.
I don't think anyone is unaware that South Africa is dangerous. Research on where to go and how is something everyone should do a lot of before going.
They didn't ask to go to the dangerous place, they asked for the airport and Maps took them through the dangerous place.
Assuming they're tourists, probably ask the rental car agent and hotel clerks what the best routes to are. Most locals in hospitality in my experience are happy to share their insight with you.
The problem is like the other said, people need to be on their toes in a foreign environment. It's the same with foreign nationals visiting the US, like people visiting SF accidentally ending up in the rough areas of Oakland, or visiting tourist destinations in Mexico. At some point, personal responsibility needs to come into play, and that includes doing your homework about sketchy areas to avoid. It isn't victim blaming to ask people to think and prepare, and not go blindly wandering about.
If it’s your town and you realize your GpS is taking you a ghetto place you can always turn around and drive in another direction. I’d on vacation, turns out travel guide still exist. Google maps and GPs is only doing exactly what you asked it; go from A to B with the hottest time between the two points. That’s why it sometimes takes you through residential area for no apparent reason just because the algorithm calculated a 0.3min time savings.
Now the real question is: if a self driving car takes you through a bad area and you get mugged…
Ask the people at the counter if there’s any place you should avoid. You’re a foreigner in an unfamiliar place in the case of this article.
Ask locals before going somewhere you haven't before? They'll tell you if there are spots that are no-go zones for tourists and what to look out for.