Technology

Exciting News: Google Maps Incident Reporting Finally Launches on Android Auto!

2024-09-28

After years of requests from users and a two-month wait since its announcement, Google Maps is officially rolling out a long-anticipated incident reporting feature for Android Auto users!

Incident reporting on Google Maps was first introduced on mobile devices a few years back. However, its limited functionality on mobile hindered its effectiveness, especially for drivers needing real-time updates. Earlier this year, the feature made its debut on Apple’s CarPlay, marking a significant step forward. As of July, it was announced that Android Auto would also receive this much-needed enhancement, starting with users in India before expanding globally. Yet, despite the excitement, users had to wait longer than expected, with many reporting that the feature was still unavailable well into September.

The wait appears to be over, though. In just the past couple of days, users across various platforms, including Reddit, have shared that incident reporting is now live for Android Auto users. We have tested this feature ourselves and can confirm its availability.

Once activated, users can access incident reporting through a newly introduced triangle hazard button located below the compass in the Google Maps app. Tapping this button presents a range of reporting options that include road accidents, traffic jams, construction zones, lane closures, and even speed traps.

However, it’s worth noting that the button may not appear under certain dashboard layouts in Android Auto that do not provide sufficient vertical space for Google Maps. For instance, testing on a 105 DPI setup successfully displayed the icon, while a 110 DPI setup did not.

Moreover, once the incident reporting feature is active, users will receive prompts to confirm whether road hazards remain along their routes, adding an extra layer of utility to the driving experience.

Have you managed to access the new incident reporting feature on Google Maps while driving? Share your experiences in the comments below!

In addition to incident reporting, stay tuned for exciting upgrades in Android Auto, including improved recognition of home and work addresses on Google Maps and enhanced lane guidance readability. This dynamic update signifies Google’s commitment to making driving safer and more informed for all users on the road.