We have all heard similar stories before, but this one is different. To start with, it involves Google Maps service. Then, it deals with this service and how it is applied to the mobile devices such as the Blackberry. And finally, it asks one very simple, yet seemingly complex question – at what point does common sense kick in and negate technological devices, especially when they are telling you where to walk? That is exactly what everyone is asking about this case.

A bit of a background information. Lauren Rosenberg decided that she would get some exercise and take a walk in the town of Park City, Utah. This took place in January of 2009. Now, when faced with the task of finding an appropriate walking path, she decided, as so many do when they are unsure of where to go, to consult Google maps. Using her Blackberry, she searched for the best path between 96 Daly Street, and her destination 1710 Prospector Avenue. Google Maps gave her a walking path, and part of that path involved following a road called Deer Valley Drive.

Now, as stated in courtroom papers filed by Rosenberg’s lawyers, this highway is apparently unsafe to walk on. There are no sidewalks, and motor vehicles travel on that highway at pretty high speeds. Rosenberg must have noticed this before she turned onto the roadbut alas, her Blackberry and Google Map pathway seemed to take priority over her common sense, and she continued anyway.

During her stroll down this road, she was struck by a vehicle driven by Patrick Harwood. Now, Lauren Rosenberg is not only suing Harwood over the incident, but also Google. She claims that Google sent her on an unsafe walking path, and that they should take responsibility for leading her to her fate of being hit by a motor-vehicle.

I am not sure if anyone asked her if she plans on suing her common sense, but I guess that this has nothing to do with the incident. Legalistically speaking, Google Maps has a caution banner displayed on this walking route that advises it is only a beta. However, if you view Google Maps on your mobile, this caution sign apparently does not show up. So, does Rosenberg have grounds for a lawsuit? Well, Google told her to walk the path but is it really up to them to know exactly which streets are safe for walking? Aren’t they just supposed to give directions? This, I suppose, will be for the courts to decide.

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