A New Feature Makes It Easy Report Traffic Incidents in Google Maps

Ever been stuck in unexpected traffic and wished someone had warned you? Or spotted a hazard that you wanted to alert other drivers about? Well, things just got easier for all of us on the road. With incident reporting rolling out across all major platforms – including the brand new addition to Android Auto – you can now help fellow drivers avoid trouble spots, no matter what device you’re using.

This feature is a game-changer for road safety and community awareness. Whether you’re using an iPhone, Android phone, or your car’s smart display system, you can quickly alert others about accidents, road hazards, or heavy traffic. It’s like having a direct line to every driver in your area. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple, and we’ll show you exactly how to do it on each platform.

Safety Notes

But first, some safety notes! Your safety should always be the top priority when reporting incidents. Whenever possible, use voice commands to minimize distraction and keep your reports concise and factual. If you can’t use voice commands, never attempt to submit a report while actively driving – instead, have a passenger report the incident or find a safe location to pull over before documenting any incidents.

Remember that the incident reporting feature is designed to help other drivers, but if you’re involved in or witness a situation requiring immediate assistance, your first action should be to contact emergency services rather than submitting a report.

Here’s your comprehensive guide to reporting incidents, no matter which device you prefer. (Note: You need to be using the Google Maps app on your device for these instructions to work.)

How To Report an Incident in Google Maps on Android Auto

• While navigating, select the report icon (shield symbol) on the right side of the screen.
• Select “Report Incident.”
• Tap the incident type from the options displayed — accident, hazard, speed check, etc. (the report will submit automatically).
  • Optional: Add a voice note with details.

How To Report an Incident in Google Maps on Apple CarPlay

• While navigating, select the report icon (shield symbol).
  • You could also use the voice command option by saying: “Hey Siri, report an incident on CarPlay.”
• Choose the incident category (the report will submit automatically).

How To Report an Incident in Google Maps on an iPhone

• While navigating, tap “Report” on the bottom right of the screen.
• Select “Report Incident.”
  • You can also use the voice command: “Hey Siri, report an incident.”
• Tap the incident category (the report will submit automatically).

How To Submit an Incident Report in Google Maps on an Android Phone

• While navigating, tap “Report” in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
• Choose incident type (the report will submit automatically).