The Danger of Over-Reliance on Navigation Apps: Use Common Sense While Driving

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com — The development of digital navigation technology has indeed made travelling easier for drivers. Simply entering your destination into a navigation app instantly displays the route with estimated travel time. However, behind this convenience, a new phenomenon on the roads has emerged: drivers overly relying on app directions without considering real-world conditions. In some cases, vehicles have had to reverse long distances or seek local assistance after getting stuck on narrow roads. Safety driving advocate Marcell Kurniawan said navigation apps are helpful, but drivers must maintain situational awareness while driving. “When setting a destination, double-check the vehicle type selected in the app. Don’t accidentally choose the motorcycle mode,” Marcell told Kompas.com on Monday (25 May 2026). He added that drivers should also check the route displayed by the app. Grey-coloured paths typically indicate smaller or narrower roads compared to main routes. “Check the suggested route. Ensure the path is blue, not grey, as grey routes are usually narrower,” he said. Marcell also advised drivers to use street view before setting off, especially when heading to unfamiliar locations. This step helps assess the environment and road dimensions in advance. However, the final decision while driving remains with the driver, not the app. “If the road ahead seems unsafe while driving, choose a route you feel is safer and more comfortable, then let the app reroute,” he said. Marcell believes navigation apps should serve as a tool, not an absolute determinant of travel direction. Drivers must still apply logic, observation, and safety considerations before deciding to take a particular route. Amid increasingly advanced vehicle and digital navigation technology, situational awareness remains a crucial skill that must not be overlooked. Because real-world road conditions often differ from what appears on a smartphone screen.