This Google Maps feature can actually make it difficult for you to drive

Google Maps has changed the way people commute. Be it avoiding traffic jams or finding the fastest transportation method to reach your destination, the app has it all. But one feature of the app may make you lose focus while driving.

Since last summer, Google Maps has introduced a safety feature that lets drivers confirm an incident that has been flagged by other users. The prompt can be used for denying or confirming incidents like a crash, stalled vehicle, or object on the road.

Fast Company reported that the incident notifications may end up distracting users and could lead to more accidents.

Google Maps feature

According to a support page by Google, Maps users can report a number of specified incidents while they drive. These include crash, object on road, stalled vehicle, lane closure, construction, police, slowdown, and mobile speed cameras.

All users need to do is open Google Maps on their vehicle’s infotainment screen. Then, they have to tap “Report” and use the “Add Report” menu to select the type of incident they want to highlight.

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How does the feature appear?

The prompt for confirming an incident is announced with a chime, followed by a text and a timer. The timer and text are visible in the bottom half of the app. Users need to validate if the obstruction is still there or not by tapping on one of the two options- Still there or Not there. After a few seconds, the prompt disappears either because the driver has answered it or due to the timer going off.

Danger associated with report incidents

The Google Maps user experience (UX) can be dangerous for drivers since diverting their focus to their infotainment screens might lead to accidents or make them nervous about potential crashes or obstructions. Questions have been raised over the utility of this safety feature.

Google Maps ETA removed on some vehicles

In another puzzling update, the estimated time of arrival (ETA) for many vehicles with Android Automotive OS has been removed in Google Maps. A report by 9to5Google claimed that the issue mainly affected Volvo and Polestar vehicles. It is unclear when the feature will be brought back.

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FAQ

Can the report incident feature be turned off?
The option is not available.

When will users be asked to confirm reports on their travel route?
When they reach closer to the spot where a report was added, a prompt will show up on their phone.