The Online Family answers:

This is a common complaint about Internet map sites -- although they have gotten better in the past few years. For starters, to save time try to use a site that lets you store your common starting points (e.g. home, work, school). Next, when you enter directions make sure you have the full and correct address (such as not entering Main Ave. when it's Main Street, and providing a zip code). If you can, cross reference directions that look overly complicated between two map sites (such as MapQuest, Yahoo Maps and Google Maps). When in doubt, before you even log on to a map site, try to find a web site for your destination. For instance, if you're going to a football stadium 50 miles away, check the stadium's web site, which might offer more accurate driving directions.