Nearly 100 drivers followed a Google Maps detour – and got stuck in an empty field
A crash on Peña Boulevard, a road leading to the Denver International Airport, asked the app to take drivers on a Sunday detour.
But it was too good to be true.
The alternative route took the drivers down a dirt road that the rain had turned into a muddy mess, and the cars began to glide around.
Some vehicles could not make it through clay, and about 100 others were trapped behind them.
Connie Monsees was on her way to pick up her husband at the airport when she discovered the wreck at Peña Boulevard.
"I thought maybe it's a detour" and pulled it up on Google Maps, and it gave me a detour that was half the time, "she said." It was 43 minutes in the first place, and it would be 23 in the place ̵[ads1]1; so I took the exit and drove where they told me. "
" There were a number of other cars that went down [the dirt road] so I said, "I guess that's fine." That was not good. "
Google said the road was not marked as private.
" We take many factors into consideration when determining driving routes, including the size of the road and the route's directness, "the company said in a statement." providing the best driving directions, problems may arise due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather. We encourage all drivers to follow local laws, be attentive, and use their best judgment while driving. "
Luckily, Monsees car drive, and she managed to get through the sticky situation. She even gave two people a ride to the airport and they were able to catch their flights.
" well forward, "said Monsees, adding that others had much worse.
