Nevada couple blindly follow GPS and wind up stranded for 3 days

A Nevada couple found themselves stranded in a remote forest for 3 days after blindly following their GPS through the high desert of eastern Oregon. The couple got stuck in nearly 2 feet of snow after following their GPS device’s direction to turn onto a remote road leading into the Winema-Fremont National Forest. Fortunately they were well prepared with food, water and warm clothes, which saved their lives. On the third day they finally managed to transmit their location to a 911 dispatcher.

“GPS almost did ‘em in and GPS saved ‘em,” Klamath County Sheriff Tim Evinger said.said. “It will give you options to pick the shortest route. You certainly get the shortest route. But it may not be a safe route.”

As the popularity of GPS devices rises these types of stories seem to happen more and more. It’s important to keep the maps in your device updated at all times and not to rely on them to the exclusion of old fashioned maps and common sense. Be aware of your surroundings and realize that GPS units are not infallible. The route they recommend may not be the a good one, or even a safe one. If something doesn’t seem right, turn around!

Read [USA Today]