12 Jul GPS Disasters and How to Avoid Them
J.R.R. Tolkien famously wrote that not all those who wander are lost, but we were. I had planned a daytrip from North Lake Tahoe, to Virginia City, to Grover Hot Springs, and back. After an enjoyable few hours touring Virginia City, I punched our next destination into my portable GPS and headed for the hot springs.
© Gorfer
Because my GPS displays our projected arrival time, I no longer have to have the “How much longer?” conversation with my kids (unfortunately, it’s been replaced with the “Mom, you’re speeding” conversation, since it also displays my speed and the speed limit). According to our GPS, we would arrive at 5pm.
Instead, at 5pm, our GPS instructed me to “Turn right on unpaved road and drive 14 miles”. Did I mention I was in my Prius? And that there was no cell service? And that we were now three and a half hours from our Tahoe condo?
GPS snafus such as this are actually pretty common. Luckily, the worst thing that happened to us was four hours of pointless, unnecessary driving and dinner at a gas station minimart. It’s always smart to be prepared with food, water, and a full tank of gas. That way, if one of the following GPS disasters happens to you, you’ll be ready.
Problem: Taking the long way
Solution: Using a map
In cities and the suburbs, taking the long way is no big deal. Maybe your GPS will direct you to take a less convenient exit, but so what? You’ll still get to your destination, even if it takes 10 minutes longer. In less developed areas, indirect routes are more of a problem. A less-than-optimal route can mean a winding mountain road, an unpaved road, or even mountain passes that are subject to snow closures.
Avoid unpleasant surprises like mine by deciding on your route in advance, using Google or an old school paper map. If your GPS steers you wrong, go your way and let it recalculate.
Problem: Relying on old data
Solution: Updating your database
As miraculous as GPS technology is, it’s only as good as your most recent database update. Personally, I’ve always been too lazy to update my Garmin with the latest maps. I don’t even know where the USB cable is, to be honest. Occasionally I try to find a newly built store or house and I just can’t. Usually, I just pull out my phone when that happens. If I have it with me. And it’s charged.
Problem: Getting stuck in traffic
Solution: Subscribing to traffic services
My husband is obsessive about listening to traffic updates on AM radio in order to avoid backups. That works fine in your hometown where you’re familiar with alternate routes. On a road trip? Not so much. If you’re buying a new device, find one with an included lifetime traffic subscription, no receiver required. If you have an older device, you can buy a receiver and subscribe to traffic services so that your device will automatically avoid wrecks, slow downs, and construction delays.
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