Press Release: Union County Authorities Urge Caution After Vehicles Stranded Due to GPS Misguidance
Union County, OR — More than 20 vehicles encountered difficulties on a snowy road in northeast Oregon on Wednesday, November 20, after GPS systems directed them onto an unsafe route, according to the Union County Sheriff’s Office. The first SOS alert was received around 2:15 p.m., reporting a stuck vehicle on Ruckle Road, a steep, unplowed gravel road. Within half an hour, additional alerts indicated more drivers were trapped in the area.
Search and rescue teams were quickly dispatched, and Union County Public Works brought in a snowplow. After nearly two hours of effort, around 50 people were rescued and safely returned to the main roadway by 5 p.m., says emergency manager Nick Vora.
Authorities noted that the stranded drivers attempted to circumvent closures on Interstate 84 by using GPS, which erroneously guided them onto hazardous back roads. "GPS maps don’t differentiate between winter and summer routes," Vora cautioned. "Treat GPS directions like advice from a stranger — be cautious."
The sheriff’s office emphasized the importance of assessing GPS-generated routes, especially during winter months. “The best routes during severe weather are the highways, and if they’re closed, it’s dangerous to seek alternatives," they stated, underscoring the frequent recurrence of such incidents.
Sheriff’s office spokesperson Cherise Kaechele highlighted that these situations occur annually, often due to reliance on digital maps amid hazardous conditions. She urged drivers to carry emergency kits and remain patient, waiting for official help while avoiding unpaved roads.
This incident serves as a critical reminder for drivers to heed weather updates and prioritize safety over expedience.
— Tyler Brown, Oregonian/OregonLive
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Photo credit www.oregonlive.com