Another news article on being lead astray by your GPS...
Be careful of depending on GPS, cell phone or other electronic devices. Have a map, a compass and common sense. Use them.
Over the last 25 days, Mountain Wave Search and Rescue volunteers have responded to 19 different rescue situations. Many of them taking place on the way to Bagby Hot Springs.
"Last night we were on a search for a stranded motorist. As we deployed our teams to where we thought they were, we were encountering many motorists that were looking for Bagby Hot Springs off the route that was normally traveled," Mountain Wave Search and Rescue member Scott Ballard said.
Why are so many people taking that road less traveled?
"Apparently GPS units are advising drivers to go up these back roads to get to these hot springs," Ballard said.
Many GPS apps like Google Maps are showing the safer of the two routes as closed. Professionals still say you should be prepared for anything before you leave the house.
"The route into Bagby is typical winter driving conditions. You need to be prepared for those roads: tire chains, carry extra supplies and stuff, because you get up in there in winter conditions," Ballard said.
"Grab the basics — food, water, shovel are the most important things. But make sure to tell someone where you are going and when you will be back or what to do if you don't show up. Like contact law enforcement," Mountain Wave Search and Rescue volunteer Cory Smelser said.
When it comes to what road you should take Ballard tells us to stick to the roads that are two numbers. If it is four numbers that's a good sign it's a secondary road. Ballard also says, because of the lack of cell service in these are
"Last night we were on a search for a stranded motorist. As we deployed our teams to where we thought they were, we were encountering many motorists that were looking for Bagby Hot Springs off the route that was normally traveled," Mountain Wave Search and Rescue member Scott Ballard said.
Why are so many people taking that road less traveled?
"Apparently GPS units are advising drivers to go up these back roads to get to these hot springs," Ballard said.
Many GPS apps like Google Maps are showing the safer of the two routes as closed. Professionals still say you should be prepared for anything before you leave the house.
"The route into Bagby is typical winter driving conditions. You need to be prepared for those roads: tire chains, carry extra supplies and stuff, because you get up in there in winter conditions," Ballard said.
"Grab the basics — food, water, shovel are the most important things. But make sure to tell someone where you are going and when you will be back or what to do if you don't show up. Like contact law enforcement," Mountain Wave Search and Rescue volunteer Cory Smelser said.
When it comes to what road you should take Ballard tells us to stick to the roads that are two numbers. If it is four numbers that's a good sign it's a secondary road. Ballard also says, because of the lack of cell service in these are
Be careful of depending on GPS, cell phone or other electronic devices. Have a map, a compass and common sense. Use them.
