The new beta version of Waze – a navigation program from Google – can notify users of nearby roads with a high risk of accidents.
Roads on which, according to statistics, more traffic accidents occur, will be marked in red in the application. But if you already drive one of them, this may not happen, Geektime notes. The function involves displaying only one alert on the screen, possibly so that the precautionary measures do not distract the driver.
If you have access to the beta version, Waze will send the following message:
“Using driver reports and your route, we can send you ‘Accident History’ messages on some roads.”
Although this feature is only available in beta, it will likely be available to the general public soon. If drivers still do not want to receive notifications, they can be turned off in the application settings.
This is one of the first updates to Waze since the app team was merged with the group that oversees Google Maps. Google announced the merger earlier this month, and as Waze’s head of PR, Caroline Bourdeau, noted, “the teams will benefit from further increased technical collaboration.” The changes also involve the departure of Waze CEO Nehi Parikh, and coincide with Google’s plans to cut costs across the company.
