An approach is provided for route calculation using a navigation system by considering potential mistakes. Using the navigation system, at least one route is calculated. A map database is queried to identify intersections along the at least one route. A predicted probability of a user making a routing mistake at the intersections is calculated. A travel time, travel distance, or a combination thereof that is predicted to result from the routing mistake is calculated. The travel time, the travel distance, or a combination thereof represents a predicted severity of the routing mistake. At least one route is recalculated to accept or avoid the intersections based on the predicted probability and the predicted severity of the routing mistake. The recalculated route is presented in a user interface as an optimal route.