Yet again, a vehicle plunged into a stream in Kerala recently when tourists from Munnar were driving to Alappuzha with the help of a navigation app. While the four passengers escaped unhurt this time, two doctors had lost their lives last year in Kochi when their car was guided into a river by an app. Travellers often get confused while using these apps in Kerala during the rainy season and mistake rivers or streams for waterlogged roads.
Similar incidents have happened outside of the state too in the previous years. While navigation apps are inevitable for travel today, it's important to understand that they are not infallible. How can you ensure that you are not misguided by them? Here are a few tips: 1) Do some research before the trip Before starting the journey using apps, check the routes suggested by them and research a bit, keeping an eye on news updates and real-time traffic reports.
See whether there are any potential impediments on the way. Keep information on alternative routes handy before you start the journey. Whenever possible, keep reliable offline maps also too.
2) Update the app Before you start the journey, make sure your navigation app is updated and will have continued access to quality internet. Make sure that automatic updates are also enabled, and voice command options can be used, to minimise distractions while driving. 3) Double-check the suggestions During the trip, regardless of what the app says, use your common sense or inputs from local people .
