[akolbe]

Mm. Google Maps will sometimes confidently suggest roads which without that recommendation would have seemed quite unsuitable. So people put their instincts aside and think Google must know better ... only to regret it later.

It would be helpful if Google could add a few qualifiers like "Note that this is a very steep and mostly single-lane unpaved road" or "This road leads through an unsafe neighbourhood", followed by "An alternative route would be ..."

Maybe in a few years' time.

[cmpalmer52]

“Take a right at the next light. This might be a good time to roll up windows and lock your doors. And/or, if so equipped, lock and load.”

[potbelly83]

Ha... It's not that they can't do it now, it's just Google fear the uproar the woke brigade will inevitable make about how dare Google classify poor black neighborhoods as unsafe. But yeah I agree with you, that feature would be damn helpful, especially for someone like my wife driving home at night.

[prmoustache]

I think it is unrelated. Regardless of how dangerous is an area, there are still people who libe there and have to go there or through there for various reasons.

It is not like life stops when places have an higher crime rate. Peoole still conduct business, have family outings and whatnot.

Besides the feeling of safety is totally subjective and some white neighborhoods you might consider safe as a white person might be unsafe to people of colors going there because they will be viewed under the bias of systemic racism and might be seen as a threat to people.

[akolbe]

Absolutely. Same with the favelas – locals are safer than strangers.

Incidentally, the UK government website contains specific warnings about using GPS navigation in Brazil:

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The security situation in many favelas is unpredictable. Visiting a favela can be dangerous. Avoid all favelas, including favela tours marketed to tourists and any accommodation, restaurants or bars advertised as being within a favela.

You should:

– make sure the suggested route does not take you into a favela if you’re using GPS navigation

– avoid entering unpaved, cobbled or narrow streets which may lead into a favela - tourists have been shot after accidentally entering favelas

If you’re unsure about a location, check with your hotel or the local authorities.

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https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/brazil/safety-and-s...