Google Maps damages electricity: Female driver "leads" 19 million for going in the opposite direction on the highway?

On the morning of February 5, 2025, the Ministry of Public Security issued a decision to sanction a female driver for traffic violations. Specifically, Ms. Vo Thi Thu H. (born 1982, residing in Nghe An) drove a car in the opposite direction at a section of the road leading to National Highway 45 - Bai Vot.

According to information from the authorities, at 8:54 a.m. on February 4, Ms. H. drove a car with license plate number 37K-244. XX went in the opposite direction at the entrance of National Highway 45. This incident was recorded by surveillance cameras, showing the car moving in the illegal lane, increasing the potential risk of traffic on the expressway.

In the process of working with the authorities, Ms. H. said that the reason for this violation was that she was not familiar with the terrain and had relied on instructions from the Google Maps application. It was this application that instructed her to drive into the wrong section of the expressway, causing the car to go in the opposite direction, obstructing traffic and potentially endangering other vehicles.

Although the female driver admitted her mistake and expressed regret, the authorities still had to apply the fine in accordance with the law, in order to ensure the strictness in handling traffic violations.

Pursuant to Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, the act of driving a car in the opposite direction on expressways, or on prohibited road sections, can be sanctioned from 18 to 20 million VND. However, with the level of danger caused by this behavior, Ms. H. was fined up to 19 million VND and deducted 4 points from her driver's license. This is also to deter and warn drivers about the seriousness of going in the opposite direction, especially on highways where high speeds and traffic are very complicated.

In addition, according to regulations, for violations of driving in the opposite direction on the highway, drivers can face a higher fine, ranging from 30 to 40 million VND along with a deduction of 10 points on the driver's license. This is a heavy penalty, reflecting the seriousness of participating in traffic that does not comply with the law.

Ms. H.'s statement that she follows the instructions of Google Maps has made many people wonder about the accuracy of electronic map applications, especially in complicated traffic situations. While these apps are useful in locating and navigating, if not careful and understanding of routes, relying on electronic maps can lead to wrong decisions, endangering vehicle drivers and other vehicles.

Ms. H.'s case has also received attention from the community, especially those who regularly use navigation applications. It is also a reminder of the need to pay more attention to obeying traffic signs and road signs. While the Google Maps app and electronic maps can provide useful information, they cannot replace the actual observation and responsibility of drivers when participating in traffic.

At the same time, this incident also makes many people question the prevalence of traffic violations due to unfamiliarity with the routes. Authorities also need to continue to promote propaganda and strictly handle violations, and at the same time strengthen measures to help drivers be more aware of legal regulations, minimize the risk of causing traffic hazards.

Traffic violations, especially driving in the opposite direction on the highway, are a dangerous behavior that can have serious consequences. Although Ms. H.'s reason was that she was not familiar with the roads and followed the directions of Google Maps, the lack of vigilance and non-compliance with traffic rules led to serious incidents. The heavy fine for Ms. H. and similar violating drivers is a clear message from the authorities about the strictness in handling violations, as well as a reminder to all drivers about responsibility when participating in traffic.

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