Waze, the Google-owned driving navigation app, has released several updates to the Android and iOS applications to significantly improve your driving experience. Not only will these improvements make your journeys easier, but they will also keep you safe.
Waze Gets Six Updates That Make It Much Easier To Use
Google announced a whole bunch of updates to Waze today, and they look set to make your time on the road stress-free and a lot safer.
Since Google bought Waze, they've brought their money and technology to the platform to make it so much better than it used to be. Let's talk about some of the changes to the app.
1. Roundabouts Will Become Easier To Navigate
Roundabouts are an uncommon road feature in the United States. Much smaller countries (in both population and area) like France and the UK have nearly three times as many roundabouts a piece. So, if you have no idea how to navigate a roundabout, it's not a thing of shame.
Fortunately, the new Waze update can make it a lot easier for you to see exactly how you should be navigating a roundabout, including the entry, exit, and which lane you should be in.
2. You'll Know Early If First Responders Are Stopped On Your Route
Accidents happen, and fortunately, we have societies that can respond to these relatively quickly. Unfortunately, that means that first responders might be stopped on your route. If you know this ahead of time, you can change how you drive, or potentially choose another route. Well, Waze has exactly this now and it will be available in the US, Canada, France, and Mexico, with more countries to come.
3. Speed Limit Decreases Ahead Will Show Up Before You Need To Slow Down
Life isn't Fast and the Furious, so you should always abide by speed limits. The thing is, sometimes speed limits can drop off when you enter a new area and you might be unaware. The good thing is that in addition to previous speed limit notifications, Waze now provides a feature that will let you know when a speed limit decrease is up ahead, so you can let off the accelerator and avoid an unnecessary ticket.
4. Be Aware Of Road Features Like Speed Bumps, Sharp Curves, and Toll Booth
You can see a lot of road features and hazards in Waze already, but more are being added now, thanks to other Waze drivers' input. Whether it is a sharp turn coming up ahead, a speed bump, or toll booths, you'll know ahead of time and drive appropriately.
5. More Information On Parking Spots
In large urban areas, one of the hardest things about going out is finding places to park your car. Waze already had some parking information, but thanks to a partnership with Flash, you'll be getting even more info for more than 30,000 parking garages in the US and Canada.
For instance, how much will it cost to park in that garage? Will it have charging stations for your EV? Do they have valet, and can you access it with a wheelchair? Waze will be able to do all of this soon. The best part? You'll be able to reserve a parking space straight from the app.
6. Waze Will Give You More Info On Your Favorite Routes
When you're driving to work or back home, you probably have a specific route that you prefer to follow, even if it might not be the quickest way to get where you're going. The new Waze update will make it easier for you to see your usual route and any delays or traffic issues along it.
