Using Google Maps

Drivers I thought I would pass this on to you. I have a tablet that I keep mounted on the window at the far left side of my dash and I monitor Google Maps all day long. The reason I do this is in case you aren't aware there is a traffic feature on Google Maps and if you click on it the interstates will either be green or orange or red.
Green means clear roads Orange signifies a slow down and red means traffic is moving very very slow or stopped.

Since I have monitored Google Maps all day there have been several instances where I was glad that I was informed about a traffic jam not too far ahead of me but other drivers that weren't as informed as I was we're hammering down and one driver almost plowed into the traffic in front of him and he was following way too close to begin with.

I used to carry a CB radio where I can inform other drivers but it just got to a point to where nobody was paying attention anymore and the only time they had their CB radio on was at the end of the day in the truck stop and then it was all a bunch of BS so I finally just got sick of it and ripped mine out and I never put one back in again.

I also use an app called My Radar when there are bad storms in the area to see where the storm is and where it's tracking in reference to where I am and which direction I am heading.

Two great apps I'll tell you. I love technology.

 

Google Maps Traffic is essential for any motorist

 

I agree. I use google maps for traffic.

 

Don't let a LEO see you touch it. I know, all you want to do is zoom out and check for an alt route around whatever is going on. But that's all it will take to get slapped with a huge mess.

 

I do understand using it to check on traffic. Being able to reroute is great. I wish the Rand McNally GPS was as nice.

It should never be needed to maintain safe following distance.

 

You might also check out the Waze app. It gives you more specific traffic information than Google maps. (Police ahead, vehicle on road ahead, debris in the road, etc)

 

Nice doors; by the way.
Even that won't wake some of them up.

 

How much data does it eat to keep it running all day long?

 

I checked google maps about 50 times a day. I don't like waze. It uses more data and I have to look at it longer to see what I need to see. Google, takes about 5 seconds on intermittent scanning it to see what I need.

My stupid Garmin GPS is supposed to warn me of traffic way in advance and sometimes it does.......80% it doesnt.

 

Do you have a newer Garmin or an older one? I have an older one but upgraded the power cord to receive "digital traffic". Works much better than the analog system with much more frequent updates. I suspect the units bought in the last year or two have digital receiver out of the box but you might look into it.

Regardless it's only worthwhile near larger metro areas. but when it's working, it seems to mimic Google traffic for the most part. I use Google regularly in traffic and crash prone areas and for confirmation of Garmin, but often my Garmin will alert me to an issue before I had caught it on Google.