Google Maps’ Improved Incident Report Feature is Pretty Handy

Google recently announced some new changes to Google Maps, which bring some rather useful features for users. Perhaps the biggest highlight with the new changes is a revamped incident report feature for users, which allows Maps and Waze communities to note lane closures, construction and accidents.

Users will see larger reporting icons that are easier to tap, and other drivers can then confirm the incident with a corresponding tap to help other drivers passing by. For users navigating to spots where they’ve never been before, Maps’ new destination guidance feature will automatically light up your destination and its entrance, in addition to showing you nearby parking lots.

Google is also adding the ability to see new camera types on Waze. These alerts are added by Waze community members using real-time road information and available data from local authorities to update the map. For example, users can see an alert if they’re approaching a camera that snaps pictures for things like speeding, running a red light, using the wrong lane, and other violations.

Google Maps and Waze has also added a new traffic events feature, which gives users insight how events such as parades and the like are impacting nearby traffic. Notifications will display details like the cause of the event, if there are road closures and real-time traffic conditions. Waze drivers will also get navigation guidance including turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates or hazard alerts while their phone remains securely locked via Lock screen navigation.

Google says that the new features will roll out globally starting today for Android and iOS, cars with Google built-in, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay over the coming weeks.

Source: Google