Traffic Is Already Fully Built
The GPS says traffic is building. Judging by the highway, construction appears to be complete.
GPS navigation has become one of those technologies we barely think about anymore. It tracks our location, watches traffic conditions, estimates arrival times, suggests faster routes, and calmly announces delays while we stare through the windshield at several thousand cars that have already reached the same conclusion.
Real-time traffic data can be remarkably useful, but the language our navigation systems use sometimes makes the obvious sound like breaking news. “Traffic is building” feels a little understated when every lane has stopped moving and your estimated arrival time keeps quietly creeping toward tomorrow. If your GPS has ever sounded more judgmental than helpful, see Recalculating the Wrong Turn.
Navigation technology is supposed to remove uncertainty from driving. Instead, it has given us a tiny electronic passenger that knows exactly where we are, exactly how late we’re going to be, and apparently feels no responsibility for either one. For another Chad Geepeety™ take on cars getting smarter while driving remains complicated, see When the Car Drives Itself .
The GPS says traffic is building.
We’ll let you know when the ribbon-cutting ceremony starts.
Explore more Chad Geepeety™ cartoons about GPS, smart cars, AI, and the everyday technology that was supposed to make getting there easier.
