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TMKF2 t1_j1qlgyf wrote

This advice is wrong as often as it’s right.

Some gps apps are tracking traffic movements in real time and use the rate of travel along various routes to calculate and recalculate best and safest paths. Others will steer you into the rhubarb if you’re not careful.

Giving up interstate or state highways for country backroads is generally a bad idea, but getting off beltways and intercity highways for secondary roads is often the safer and quicker path.

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bob4apples t1_j1qw6e1 wrote

The point here was that in heavy snow it is generally better to stick to roads that are being cleared, salted, or sanded. Since navigation only knows traffic and not road conditions, it may try to direct you onto (rural) roads that are impassible by your vehicle.

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dexmonic t1_j1r4v7w wrote

I just don't understand how so many people don't understand these very basic concepts. It's a little concerning people don't understand that clear roads are better to drive on than dangerous snowy/icy roads in the mountains or country side. Shouldn't this be immediately obvious to everyone?

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panicatthepharmacy t1_j1rvnyg wrote

Exactly. LPT: if your GPS suggests saving time by driving your car across open water, don’t do it! Most cars cannot drive on water.

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bob4apples t1_j1r8oyy wrote

> Shouldn't this be immediately obvious to everyone?

Why would it be? You yourself say that the advice is wrong as often as it is right and:

  1. Most people have never experienced worst case road conditions and most of those think they have.

  2. Some people have never NOT used GPS for a long drive.

  3. Some people have AWD or FWD and figure it'll get them through anything (see 1).

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