Police warn drivers not to follow Google Maps to avoid Summerland rock slide

KELOWNA — Police are urging Central Okanagan drivers to take the appropriate detours around the closure of Highway 97 between Summerland and Peachland.

Police say multiple motorists have become stranded on back country roads avoiding the Highway 97 that was closed off due to rock slides.

Drive B.C. says the highway is still closed in both directions and advises drivers to detour via the Okanagan Connector, Highway 5A and Highway 3A to Highway 3.

Police and Central Okanagan Search and Rescue have been rescuing drivers who took back country roads, and turning around dozens of other vehicles. 

Cpl Jesse O'Donaghey says in a media release that almost everyone told their officers that Google Maps reported the roads as "well-groomed" and "the fastest, most direct route to their destination."

“In one particular case, a woman called 911 after her full size pickup truck became stuck in deep snow along Garnet Valley Road, which runs between Summerland and Peachland,” Cpl. O’Donaghey says in the releasee. “Emergency crews were able to eventually reach the woman, who was not prepared to spend the night in her vehicle.”

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