iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — A family traveling to California found themselves stuck on an unplowed, snow-covered road after following the fastest route on their GPS navigation system.
Ron Sanquist and Karen Bonell-Sanquist, their 9-year-old daughter and the family dog were en route from Oregon when they say their GPS system directed them straight through the Page Mountain Sno-Park in the state’s Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
The family’s car became stuck in the park, an area where many roads are not plowed at this time of year.
The Sanquists had no shovel or cellphone service, with no help in sight.
“I am not even sure if I had a shovel what I could have dug out,” Ron Sanquist told ABC News.
The family took shelter inside the car overnight. The next morning, Ron Sanquist hiked 2 miles to find help and call 911.
Karen Bonell-Sanquist described the situation as “pretty scary.”
“Especially because to the left was a downgrade, quite a steep one,” she said.
Search-and-rescue crews reached the family and helped them get back on the road. The sheriff’s office issued a warning for all drivers.
“Many GPS and map systems can steer folks in the wrong direction during winter travel where conditions are poor,” the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
The Sanquists were able to reach their final destination in California about 17 hours after their original departure.
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