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Google Maps Directions Adds Real-Time Traffic Estimates

First time accepted submitter constpointertoconst writes "If you use Google Maps to calculate directions, you may now notice (if your route is covered by their traffic data) an 'in current traffic' travel estimate for current route. Some may recall that Google Maps had a similar estimate in the past, but it was removed last year due to poor accuracy."

3 of 54 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Not a daily-use thing by Gordonjcp · · Score: 5, Informative

    Another great way to avoid getting speeding tickets is to not break the speed limit.

  2. Re:So.... They are tracking you realtime... by thegarbz · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Why not? I turned it on, and I hope more people do too. In my area the traffic estimates are dead accurate and updated constantly. There's no easier method of aggregating this data accurately than crowd sourcing devices which communicate with you anyway.

    By the way, you're welcome.

  3. Re:Not a daily-use thing by sco08y · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Options:

    (1) Piss off other drivers;
    (2) Increase chance of killing people.

    Yeah, I'll go for (1), thanks. But please feel free to fight like some neanderthal religious nut against the laws of physics/biology and explain to us why collisions at faster speeds aren't much more likely to cause serious injury or death.

    It's the difference in speed that causes turbulence in traffic that causes the dangerous situations that get people into collisions. Dramatically slower moving vehicles become obstacles that other vehicles try to flow around. Whether they are right or wrong to do it, people see empty space and they will try to fill it up, that's the laws of psychology at work. They might be bad drivers, but they are quite predictable and you can do some simple things to not contribute to their having an accident.

    Don't be an asshole driving super fast. Don't be an asshole driving super slow. Let people get over if they turn on their indicator so they don't do something stupid to get to their exit. Don't drive in the far left lane unless you're passing. Stagger your vehicle when possible so that people around you can change lanes unexpectedly. It's not rocket science, mostly basic courtesy.