Tourists Drive Rental Car Into Water Just Like That Scene On ‘The Office’

With all the fawning over artificial intelligence and ChatGPT we're hearing lately, I feel like we all need a reminder that we have brains of our own and shouldn't rely solely on technology to do our thinking. A perfect example of why this is true happened in Hawaii recently.

According to Hawaii News Now, two tourists driving to a manta ray excursion on Hawaii’s Big Island accidentally drove their SUV into a harbor off Kailua-Kona. Witnesses say they plunged into Honokohau Small Boat Harbor with their windows down. The passenger climbed out the open window and swam to safety. A sailboat crew had to jump in the water to pull the driver out of the SUV, then carry her up the boat ramp.

Thankfully, everyone is okay. The SUV? Not so much. It sank and had to be pulled out of the water by a tow crew. But why did this happen? The tourists were reportedly following GPS directions. Yup, just like that scene on "The Office." The machine doesn't always know. Let's hope the tourists got the rental insurance.

Were the tourists momentarily distracted just before they drove into the water, or were they simply too trusting of the GPS directions like Michael Scott? Maybe they had one too many Mai Tais that day. In any case, it's important to remember that computers can only do so much. Sometimes we have to be our own computers.

Nowadays, it seems like car manufactures and designers are putting more and more features in new cars. Sometimes, it's to make the car sleeker in appearance or give the car or give the driver more benefits with their vehicle. Many drivers can become intimidated or overwhelmed by the technology of cars. From cruise control and assisted parking to Bluetooth connection and more.

In a poll by SWNSDigital.com, they found the top new car features people struggle with the most. They gathered their data by polling 500 car owners with vehicles less than two years old. The results showed 20 pieces of technology in a car that "baffle modern car owners."

According to the poll, 68 percent of the "struggle to get to grips with everything." While 40 percent don’t believe they're using their car to its full potential. Also found in the research, is that it took about six months for 55 percent to discover their car came with certain features.

Dr Martha Newson, cognitive psychologist who facilitated the consumer study said they proved that over half of drivers are missing out on the full experience of their vehicle. "With any car purchase being one of life's bigger spends, drivers should take more time understanding the tech available at their fingertips, so they don't miss out on safer, more comfortable and more pleasurable experiences, every time they get in the car," said Newson.

The feature that most people feel that they aren't using happens to be cruise control.  It's been around for quite some time. Surprisingly, at the bottom of the list is blind-spot alert, massage seats, and 360-degree cameras. Some may find features like a heated steering wheel, remote engine start, and climate control easy.

You can view the full list here.