While most drivers I know settle for the default GPS apps pre-installed on their phones like Google Maps or Apple Maps, I prefer to use an app called Waze to help me get around.
Owned by Google (but kept separate from Google Maps), Waze has more of a social focus on navigation, whereas Google Maps works as a traditional turn-by-turn GPS navigation app.
With Waze, users can alert other drivers about accidents, police stops, road blocks and more — all in real time. For example if you notice a road block or you’re stuck in traffic, you just tap a couple of buttons and automatically Waze will notify drivers who may be on the same route as you and redirect them. You can even send ETAs to your friends and family so that they know you’re safe, or to let them know when to expect you.
I can say out of experience that Waze has saved me from being stuck in traffic jams plenty of times, and where a trip would have typically taken me 50 minutes, Waze has got me there in 40 through clever shortcuts. That, paired with all the cool features it’s packing, make it my go-to GPS app.
Whether you’re on iOS or Android, I’d totally recommend giving Waze a try on your next drive.
