Apple Maps put Australian drivers in “life threatening” situations

PanARMENIAN.Net - Police in the Australia state of Victoria have contacted Apple after incorrect information within its mobile mapping system put drivers heading to the small town of Mildura in “potentially life threatening” situations, as they were led to a national park some 70 kilometers off target, according to The Next Web.

The issue has caused some motorists to be stranded in the Murray-Sunset National Park, after taking directions from maps on their Apple device, leaving them stranded for up to 24 hours without food or water. Police say some travelers have been forced to walk long distances through “dangerous terrain” in order to get phone reception to make a call.

“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,” a statement on the force’s website read.

As a result, the Victoria Police are warning motorists to avoid following direction using the maps — which replaced Google Maps with Apple’s iOS 6 software update — while they have contacted the U.S. company directly to request a change in the directions. ABC News reports that six people have been rescued from the park after being lost due to the incorrect information.

Apple’s maps came under fire almost immediately after being introduced, with many users bemoaning the inferior level or details and quality of the maps. The company is said to be talking to ‘outside mapping experts’ and ‘prodding’ mapping company TomTom NV to help it refine that data.