I know this has been discussed before, but here is another reminder anyway.

Maps On Line...........

 

ya i read that, and it is really sad especially at this time of year. i use microsoft's streets and trips with gps , hasn't let me down yet. i think you could download it off limewire for free. but still have to buy a usb gps

 

I used Lycos maps for a trip to West Virginia a couple years ago. The map and directions were correct until I got to WV when the map had me turning down roads that werent there and the destination point listed on the map was a dead end mountain road that my truck barely fit down. I had to back almost 2 miles down the road because there wasnt enough room to turn around. Luckily I found a police officer on my way back down the mountain and he gave me directions to where I needed to go, it was the complete opposite direction of what Lycos maps sent me. I never used Lycos maps again after that.

 

You have to be careful about putting in "shortest" or "fastest" route.

 

RandMcNally.com has a good map feature and includes a trip planner with multiple stops...
use it for most long hauls..

 

You have to remember that these maps are resources....they aren't going to drive your car for you. That would be like overfueling a cummins and blowing it through the roof and blaming us for it because they read it on here. You are ultimately responsible for the descisions you make.

 

P.S. I personally use DeLorme Street Atlas....very nice program.

 

I keep a rand mcnally in my truck and use google when I check online

 

It just goes to show that when in a snow storm from which you cannot escape stay with the vehicle! Set the vehicle on fire to keep warm if need be!

Crobtex FYI, while I appreciate the link the site it was on was infested with Spyware.
You may want to check your system now

Rick

 

I quit using Mapquest after it spat out directions that told me to "Take the exit." Which exit? No road name or number, just "Take the exit."

 

Hehe. I usually use Mapquest or similar sites, but roadtripping, there's no excuse NOT to carry a map/atlas in the vehicle.

My dad taught me how to pick out a good Atlas. Being a truck driver in New England, he said to me "Boy, if the map ain't got Maine on more than one page, then it ain't no good!"

Funny because I remembered, that, and whenever buying an atlas (I seem to lose them or something), I always check out Maine. My current atlas has it on 2 pages, with the cities on a 3rd page. My dad's proud.

 

Wow! I scan both of my PC's daily and didn't pick anything up.....?

I never visit any funky sites, so it just about had to be a link off of one major news networks or newspapers.

Sorry about that.

 

I went back and checked the link, and it was for the Sydney Morning Herald....?

 

Not to discredit this poor guy but there are several in fact allot of mistakes he made

1. Never leave your vehicle
2. if you find a road stay on the road
3. do not ever go cross county if you do not know were you are at
4. why did he not turn around once the snow kept getting deep?

Its a sad unfortunate deal that happened but he should have been more prepared for the outing and had the proper clothing on.

 

I'm somewhat familiar with the mountain roads in the southwestern corner of Oregon where that fella got lost. Those roads are not serviced at all and it is posted that they may become impassable after November 1st.

The most ridiculous part about the whole ordeal is that if he would have just taken 99 into Crescent City and then headed back north through Brookings he and his family could have enjoyed a little peak at the Redwoods and then driven along the coast to their destination in less time than using the mountain roads. He obviously selected the shortest route and never looked at the quickest option.

A tragedy nonetheless, but it could have been avoided.