If you’ve ever used Google Maps to check out a street or landmark, you’ve relied on the work of Street View drivers. Theses are the people cruising around with camera rigs on their cars, capturing the world in 360 degrees. But according to drivers themselves, the job is far from ordinary.
In a recent Reddit thread, one driver confessed that the most awkward part of the gig is the constant attention. “People stare, wave, and sometimes chase the car,” they said. Some even try to stage their own moment of fame, striking poses or holding up signs as the car rolls past. One driver recalled a man sprinting down the street in a superhero costume just to make it into the next update.
One driver recalled pulling up to a quiet street only to find a full-blown wedding photoshoot happening right in front of the camera rig. “You just have to keep driving and hope you don’t ruin someone’s big moment,” they said.
Then there are the unexpected scenes. Drivers have stumbled upon everything from full-blown wedding photo shoots to backyard parties spilling onto the street. One driver shared that they once drove past a group of people dressed as zombies for a film shoot “I had no idea if it was a prank or the apocalypse,” they joked.
Wildlife encounters add another layer of unpredictability. A driver in rural Australia reported being chased by an emu for several metres, while another in the US had to wait patiently as a herd of deer blocked the road. “You can’t honk at nature,” they said, laughing.
Despite the quirks, Street View remains one of Google Maps’ most beloved features, helping millions navigate and explore the world every day. For the drivers behind the lens, it’s a job that offers a unique perspective and plenty of stories worth sharing.
