The Best Traffic Apps For Your Smartphone

In this era of smartphones and fast internet, almost everything is possible. At the touch of a button, you are able to access and use any app of your choice. This includes the best traffic apps like Live Traffic developed to keep you aware of the prevailing traffic on the road. Instead of spending endless hours on your way to work or meeting, you can use one of the traffic apps below to reach your destination in time.

1. Google Maps

If you are a seasoned driver you probably are familiar with Google Maps. This is one of the most widely used traffic navigation apps across the world. It is user-friendly and works best with cars, bikes, public transportation, or even taxi. The app allows you to choose and plan your route accordingly to make your ride easy and timeless. It also lets you explore places of interest such as restaurants, cafes, hotels, supermarkets, and many more.

Google Maps further warns you of traffic events in addition to predicting the time you can leave to make it quickly to your destination. With more than 10 million downloads across the globe, this app is a solid choice for all your navigation needs. You can use it on either Android or iOS devices to help you escape the traffic ahead.

Here are the reasons why should you consider Google Maps applications:

• Google Maps saves frequent locations for easy navigation. The locations include your workplace, home, and favorite joint. It also projects the time you are likely to leave those locations for your next destination.
• Links you to Google Reviews for more recommendations from other expert users. The recommendations may highlight nice places and safe routes to take to avoid traffic.
• Its offline mode allows you to download maps showing the places you are headed. In other words, the Google Maps app allows you to use maps where there are no cellular services.

However, this traffic app has its downside. According to some users, it is likely to give wrong directions when the automatic reroute option fails to works properly. On the other hand, bugs can cause it to shut off or crash without warning. Otherwise, Google Maps is a reliable app, that you should consider downloading to avoid traffic problems.

2. Waze

So far Waze is considered the best traffic app to escape a snarled up traffic. The app was acquired by Google in 2013 and it uses real-time traffic data to keep you updated. It distinguishes itself with a playful interface while emphasizing more on safe driving. In other words, it helps you avoid traffic police traps, speed cameras, and other obstacles ahead.

In case the data indicates an accident, unexpected traffic, or other hazards, it will automatically show you an alternative route. The new routes may seem counter-intuitive but time-saving when traveling. In addition, Waze uses the calendar integration to help you check events on your Facebook account. It combines this feature with your Google Calendar to let you know when to leave for your next destination on time. This kind of notification is usually based on the prevailing traffic.

You will find Waze helpful due to the following reasons:

• Voice controls to aid hands-free navigation while reporting events in real-time.
• Voice customization whereby you can record your own voice to help you in giving directions.
• Ability to report your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to your family members and friends for easy tracking of your progress.
• Provides you with the estimated time of your arrival based on current traffic conditions.
• Applies the “alerts only” mode for you to know road hazards and other obstacles without the need for turn-by-turn directions.

Even though Spotify integration may be a good idea when using Waze, the widget may interfere when tracking your friend’s drive. The app can also drain your device’s battery quickly because of numerous notifications.

3. Sygic

With its ability to provide typical navigation features, Sygic is a must-have traffic app for your iOS or Android device. It boasts search functions, add-on perks, and turn-by-directions features to make your navigation a breeze.

Most importantly, it can project a heads-up display to let you view the route you are taking. Plus, it comes with a free base app, including offline options that allow downloading add-ons features and maps.

Sygic is a great traffic app that will take your navigation skills to the next level. Here are reasons why you need it:

• State-of-the-art turn-by-turn navigation features.
• Gives an option to pay for additional features if you find them desirable.
• Has a huge global user base.
• Offline capabilities make it a perfect choice of navigation tool in many countries.

Despite its great features, Sygic comes with monthly subscriptions that renew automatically. Therefore, you should be aware of such subscriptions if you choose this traffic app.

4. MapQuest

MapQuest has been around for quite some time. It became popular in the 1990s, serving as a program where you enter your start/end locations detail to obtain a printed copy of your directions. The copy would help you find your destination while driving. 

Since then MapQuest has evolved into one of the best traffic apps that you can rely on. It provides turn-by-turn navigation and other features such as your favorite locations and night mode among others. 

Below are additional benefits of using the MapQuest traffic app:

• Full access to any traffic camera to view actual road conditions.
• Allows you to customize your frequent locations, icons, and many more.
• Provides alternative routes depending on the current traffic conditions.

Despite the fact that MapQuest is popular and quite handy in handling traffic issues, it also has a few flaws. Its map data isn’t as effective as Google-based options. The location provided is never always accurate. Some users claim that the app has problems with rerouting. Aside from that, the app can track your location without your knowledge and this can affect the battery life.

 In conclusion

You can download one of several traffic apps discussed above to help you access real-time traffic information and get to your destination quickly. The apps are tailored to provide alternative solutions to traffic jams, obstacles, and bad weather conditions when driving. They also provide you with live transport options to help you choose the best route. Save your time behind the wheel by using these apps to guide you accordingly.