Sue the driver, OK, but even I had to wonder about this. My first reaction was in line with the widespread ridicule and disbelief, but after some thought, I wish good luck to a woman who is suing Google because she was injured on a dangerous highway in Park City Utah while following Google Maps walking directions.

In the old days, no one would have thought to sue Rand McNally after an incident like this.  But claims beyond any that paper maps ever made are being made, tacitly as well as explicitly, by high tech navigation.  The suit gains some merit because Google omits the “Use Caution…” disclaimer on the mobile device version of their walking directions website.  But more importantly, who is responsible for the blind faith in Google Maps that the plaintiff, and millions of other people have adopted?  Can Google demonstrate some ongoing dismay that such faith exists?  What have they done about it?  Should the sometimes visible disclaimer be enough to get them off the hook?  What deliberate actions have they taken, through public relations and their carefully nurtured image of omniscience and civic responsibility, to promote the idea “Why hassle with an old fashioned map and thinking for yourself when you can just click and go?”

I am not yet saying she ought to win the suit, but I do hope a trial becomes an opportunity to air these issues.  Should Google get to enjoy the benefits of the people’s faith in their servces while denying they have done anything to foster it?  Where else does the faith come from?

a dangerous walk

Any paper street map, or even a look at the Google map that disregards the suggested route, reveals to an actual map reader a route that is slightly longer but follows non-arterial streets for more of its length.  Nevertheless there appears to be no way Lauren Rosenberg could have traveled where she wanted to go without walking at least an eighth of a mile or so on the deadly 4 lane highway.

Here is who she has not sued, but I wish she would, and win big:  Whoever thought it was OK to build a place where it is impossible to walk somewhere half an hour away without placing oneself in a lethal situation.  That is the opposite of any place I would consider worthy of having the word “Park,” or “City” in its name.