Rethinking Google Maps' 'Fastest Route'

I used to follow Google Maps' recommended route without giving it a second thought. But after noticing some strange occurrences, I started looking at the 'fastest' route differently.

Sometimes, even when Google Maps insisted I was taking the most efficient route, I felt like I'd taken the long way around. Other times, those few minutes I supposedly saved came with confusing turns, awkward roads, or unexpected traffic.

I started treating estimated travel time as just one part of the decision-making process. I began to prioritize my own comfort and familiarity when choosing a route. If I was driving somewhere unfamiliar, for example, I might prefer a slightly longer route that kept me on larger, more straightforward roads.