Google Maps has rolled out features to report speed traps and accidents, almost a year after it introduced speed limits in navigation. The features, available only for Android users for now, are the latest addition to the usability of the app.
You’ll see these options on your phones represented via new icon appearing in Maps. It is basically a shortcut for opening up the new reporting feature for speed traps and accidents.
Any accident on the road is represented using a broken truck icon, while speed cameras can be reported by the users.
It’s interesting that Google Maps is finding different ways to help people avoid traffic on the road, and letting people know that they’re headed towards a heavy-traffic route, is a welcome addition.
The accident and speed camera sign, as given below become active when a user starts turn by turn navigation on Google Maps.
The accident report doesn’t communicate with the emergency database, something that Google could look at tying up with in the near future.
As for the speed cameras, we’re not sure why Google Maps would want to support this option, unless they believe that users should be given the chance to be alerted and let them adhere to the speed limits.
Once a user has reported an accident, Google Maps allows other users on that route to clear up the accident icon on the map once the area is clear and accessible, so that other people can start taking the route again.
These are handy features for users, especially plying on Indian roads, where the traffic conditions do get chaotic during peak hours.
You can also use Maps to book auto or cab rides, without switching to the main app. That’s not all, Maps is also supporting two-wheeler riders in the country, offering them a varied traffic status, allowing them to take narrower lanes to avoid getting stick in traffic jams.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)