(Lebanon, N.H. – February 2, 2024)

Driving a vehicle in a foreign country is a high-risk activity and has led a Los Angeles couple to file a lawsuit against Google Maps for allegedly navigating them to a notorious South African crime neighborhood.

“App maps are designed to get you to your destination. They won’t let you know much more than traffic jams or road closures,” said Harding Bush, a former Navy SEAL and associate director of security operations for Global Rescue. “It’s important for travelers driving in foreign countries to rely on much more than navigation apps. Smart travelers rely on professionally-generated destination reports, local knowledge from news reports and other research to increase their safety.”

Being safe while driving takes more than just being a safe driver. Bush advises travelers should have security advisory protection to keep them informed about regional risks, potentially dangerous events, or hotbeds of crime. “More importantly, travelers should not self-drive in risky countries or regions,” he said.

Hiring a local driver recommended by a reliable source is ideal since they know the area and won’t be confused by local roadways. “Always hire a well-vetted local driver who knows the area. They will avoid risky neighborhoods and vulnerable locations,” Bush said. “The prudent traveling driver never relies on one source of navigation.”


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Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 (202) 560-1195 (phone/text) for more information.

About Global Rescue The Global Rescue Companies are the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.