Do you use your iPhone Apple maps? You need to read this.

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OK, So when people drive off the end of a pier, or through a road block into a great big hole in the road and blame it on their navigation system, I get it when a certain percentage of the population deride the intelligence or motives of the person behind the wheel.

However, it appears now that there is a new contender who has legitimised the plight of GPS sheep heard. APPLE MAPS!
And before those of you who belong to the church of Jobs, lovers of everything Apple call foul foul foul on this unashamed Android fan… this is an actual, potentially life threatening issue.
Hands up all those who know where Mildura is? Now, keep your hands up if know how to actually drive there?
I have a idea of the general vicinity of the location of Mildura, and I know if I drive South from Sydney, I may be lucky enough to encounter a sign that would point me in the direction of Mildura… however Apple Maps decided that Mildura was approximate 70kms from the intended destination. Normally, this would not be such a huge issue… other than the fact that this 70km detour takes you smack bang into the middle of Murray Sunset National Park.
MS National Park is known for reaching very high temperatures, so you can see why a 70km detour could present a potential risk for the innocent traveller. So much so, that Victorian Police have issued a public statement.
“Local police have been called to assist distressed motorists who have become stranded within the Murray Sunset National Park after following directions on their Apple iPhone,” the police statement said.
“Tests on the mapping system by police confirm the mapping system lists Mildura in the middle of the Murray Sunset National Park, approximately 70km away from the actual location of Mildura.
“Police are extremely concerned as there is no water supply within the park and temperatures can reach as high as 46 degrees, making this a potentially life-threatening issue.”
Apple have received significant criticism from users for swapping the already proven Google Maps app with their hastily mashed together equivalent. They are now left with some coffin nails to extract, and if it isn’t already in progress, potential for some well founded law suits for placing people in potentially life-threatening situations.
Its times like this, I’m very pleased to be an Android user, and hence a Google Maps user… Although the next time I take a trip within 100km of a harsh environment – I’ll be seriously considering taking an old fashion street directory with me!
Be safe on the roads this Christmas, and rather than relying solely on technology to guide you… use your eyes as well.. if it looks like your heading into a dangerous situation… you probably are… stop… ask someone for directions… other than SIRI. 🙂

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