The popular navigation app Waze is rolling out a series of new features this month aimed at making your drives smoother and safer. From emergency vehicle alerts to warnings about speed bumps and sharp curves, Waze is packing more useful intel into its crowdsourced maps.
Stopped first responders get a spotlight
Already live for users in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and France, Waze now displays a blinking icon showing the location of stopped emergency vehicles up ahead. The alert also tells you how far away the vehicle is, helping you stay alert even when bright flashing lights are obscured from view.
Upcoming road hazard alerts
But emergency vehicles aren’t the only potential obstacles Waze wants to make you aware of. In the coming weeks, the app will begin displaying new road icons warning about speed bumps, tight curves, and upcoming toll booths. There will also be notifications when speed limits are about to decrease.
These hazard alerts are designed to help drivers be extra cautious in areas where collisions are more likely to occur. Waze hopes a little extra information can prevent fender benders and bumpy surprises on the road.
Better route planning and traffic updates
Waze is also upgrading how it displays real-time traffic conditions for frequent commuters. Instead of simply showing a static traffic map, the app will leverage its data to proactively warn you about delays on routes you take regularly.
Tackling roundabout confusion
For some drivers, few road scenarios inspire more anxiety than the humble roundabout or traffic circle. In the coming months, Waze will attempt to defuse this situation with a new feature to guide you into the correct lane to easily exit the roundabout towards your destination.
The cautious among us can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing Waze is working to make those circular intersections less dizzying. Although the app can’t force other drivers to properly yield, every bit of added clarity helps.
More upgrades on the way
While many new features are arriving this month, Waze has even more enhancements planned through the end of the year. In just a few weeks, users in select cities like New York and Montreal will be able to view parking garage information and even reserve spots directly in the app.
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