Woman Sues Google Over Walking Directions

The Associated Press reports that a pedestrian who was injured by a motorist while following an online walking route in Utah, has filed a lawsuit against Google Inc. claiming they supplied unsafe directions.

The woman said she used her phone to download walking directions and Google Maps led her to walk on a busy road without sidewalks that was “not reasonably safe for pedestrians,” according to the lawsuit.

The woman is seeking compensation for unspecified “severe” injuries and lost wages in addition to punitive damages. The driver of the vehicle that allegedly hit her is also named in the suit.

On its version for computers, Google Maps suggests one alternative for the woman’s route. It also highlights a disclaimer: “Use caution — This route may be missing sidewalks or pedestrian paths.” The mobile version of Google Maps, however, does not include that warning.