In what may be the weirdest press release today, Victoria Police has issued a warning telling motorists that they should not be relying on Apple Maps. We all know it sucks really badly (with all of its incorrect map data), but do we really need a police warning?
Turns out, we do. Mildura Police have been called in to assist motorists who have become stranded within the Murray-Sunset National Park after following directions on their iPhone. Apparently, if you follow the maps on Apple Maps, then you will be directed off the track.
And while we may laugh this off – it is a really, really serious problem. We are entering bushfire season in Victoria, and Mildura is a really hot place during the summer where temperatures can reach as high as 46 degrees. So, being directed off the main track and being stranded in a desert can be potentially life-threatening.
“Some of the motorists located by police have been stranded for up to 24 hours without food or water and have walked long distances through dangerous terrain to get phone reception,” Police have said in a statement.
Victoria Police have told Apple about the issue and have advised iOS users to find another mapping service.