GPS Leading Drivers Astray in N.J. City

[February 26, 2008]  SECAUCUS, N.J. (AP) -- Modern technology is leading some drivers in Secaucus, N.J., straight into a dead end. Truck drivers relying on GPS devices and online map to show them the route to an industrial area are instead running into a roadblock.

The electronic maps don't show a gate that separates residential and industrial areas. It's only opened for a couple hours on weekdays in the northern New Jersey city.

Mayor Dennis Elwell says residents on Fifth Street started complaining about trucks clogging their street about a year ago as GPS devices increased in popularity. Some drivers have to call police to open the gate because their trucks are too big to turn around.

Garmin International spokesman Jake Jacobson says the GPS maker has to receive a request or complaint and go through a thorough process before maps can be changed.

[Associated Press]

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