Readers React: Why a good sense of direction beats GPS any day — and lightens traffic

To the editor: I am disappointed that you would give up valuable print space to an op-ed article praising GPS navigation, a piece that is essentially a paean to ineptitude. What is next, a bad vocalist praising karaoke singing?

To the point the author is making, the internet allows everyone to be a so-called expert.

We have Lyft and Uber drivers who go through a Groundhog Day experience of driving, because they never learn routes, only follow directions. What is lost is many things, like being in a new city and getting a taxi driver who not only knows the destination and the best route, but can also give a great tour along the way.

Los Angeles is filled with drivers who do not take the time to learn a route before leaving and are constantly coming to a stop to check the map. This has a huge impact on traffic.

Harlan Levinson, Los Angeles

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To the editor: I can completely relate to Amy Koss’ lack of sense of direction.

I’ve been severely directionally challenged my whole life. I get lost in Target. My father once told me that I couldn’t find my way out of a paper bag.

GPS navigation has been invaluable to me, giving me confidence when I set out on my journey that I will actually reach my destination without losing my way. Koss is right — GPS really does “open the road and set us free.”

Ann Tyler, Moorpark

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