Google Maps Introduces a New Way to Share Real-Time Driving Conditions
Google Maps location sharing has come to the rescue several times. It has helped people find each other without any hassle, or without the need to mention lesser-known landmarks. The convenience can be measured by the integration of location-sharing features into other apps like WhatsApp. Google Maps has now worked to make something else as interesting as location sharing - real-time driving conditions.
This should not be confused with the feature launch since it has existed within the confines of Google's product for a long time. What Maps has done now is make it easier for users to report one of six incidents that affect driving conditions. The feature has its roots soiled in the element of being real-time. Meaning, users are only required to make a report of the incident if it is happening at that moment. Reports cannot, or rather should not, be filed hours after the incident happened.
Google Maps essentially aims to make the platform friendly for drivers who are on the same route. They would be able to look for an alternate route, or Google Maps would pop up an option for drivers to select another route.
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Earlier, users had to follow multiple steps just to report the driving condition. They would begin by accessing the mobile app of Google Maps, navigating to the Explore section, moving on to Crisis, and reporting real-time driving conditions. The same now only requires two taps - literally - for users to submit the report.
The only condition is that they must be navigating their way to the destination. A triangular icon is now placed at the bottom. Tapping it shows six options, namely Crash, Congestion, Roadwork, Lane Closure, Stalled Vehicle, and Object on Road.
Notably, they cover the majority of the cases that happen on the road to hamper a user’s driving. Any option that does not exist can be reported separately on Google Maps. The basic idea while submitting such a report has to be to help others with their drive.
The triangular icon features at the main interface during navigation to the destination. If unavailable at the moment, then check for an update in the app store, or wait till it has been rolled out completely. The feature is, more or less, available to all users now.
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Google Maps, however, has received criticism in the recent past. Consider India, that is Bharat, where two known cases came to light. Google Maps reportedly navigated them to a road that was broken. Passengers either died or got seriously injured - mostly because they trusted Google Maps with the route it was displaying.
A few users have said that Google Maps cannot be trusted and users should at least undertake due diligence from their side. This update is possibly to hand over the power to users and receive more information about the driving conditions directly from them.
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