Can Google Maps and Waze Detect Car Accidents While Using Google Maps?

Modern navigation apps have become indispensable tools for drivers, providing real-time traffic updates, turn-by-turn directions, and various helpful features. Two popular navigation apps, Google Maps, and Waze, have earned their places in the hearts of millions of users worldwide. While both apps are owned by Google, they differ in their approach to gathering and presenting traffic information. One common question among users is whether these apps can detect car accidents while using Google Maps. In this article, we will explore the capabilities of Google Maps and Waze regarding car accident detection and how they utilize user-generated data to provide up-to-date traffic information.

Waze Dangerous Intersection Warning

Waze Dangerous Intersection Warning

Waze does Waze not have a specific "dangerous intersection warning" feature?  However, Waze does provide various safety alerts and notifications to drivers based on user-generated reports and real-time data. These alerts can include hazards, accidents, road closures, police presence, and other relevant information.

Waze relies on its community of users to report incidents and hazards they encounter on the road. If multiple users report a specific intersection as dangerous or hazardous, it is possible that Waze will take that into account and provide alerts or notifications to other drivers approaching that intersection.

It's important to note that the accuracy and timeliness of Waze alerts depend on the information reported by its users. While Waze can be a valuable tool for navigating and receiving real-time information about road conditions, it's always a good idea to exercise caution and rely on your judgment when encountering any intersection or potentially hazardous situation on the road. 

Can Bluetooth Technology Help Warn Distracted Pedestrians Looking at Their Phones?

The National Institutes of Health is spending over $170,000 studying how to crack down on distracted pedestrians looking at their phones when crossing the street by sending people warning messages on their phones to look at while they cross the street.

The study, being conducted by the University of Alabama at Birmingham, also involves tracking what college students are doing on their smartphones when they are near an intersection.

Researchers said an uptick in pedestrian deaths is likely linked to increased cell phone use. The proposed solution is sending an alert to the pedestrian's phone, which would then prompt them to look at the phone just as they are about to cross a busy intersection.

"Unlike most medical conditions, the pedestrian injury rate is currently increasing in the United States," according to the grant for the project. "This project will study the efficacy of an intervention to reduce distracted pedestrian behavior using smartphone technology."

"Over 4,800 American pedestrians die annually, a figure that is currently increasing," the grant states. "One hypothesized reason for the increasing trend in pedestrian injuries and deaths is the role of mobile technology in distracting both pedestrians and drivers. Existing behavioral interventions to reduce distracted pedestrian behavior are few."

"We propose to develop and then evaluate Bluetooth beacon technology as a means to alert and warn pedestrians when they are approaching dangerous intersections, reminding them to attend to the traffic environment and cross the street safely rather than engaging with mobile technology," the grant explains.

Bluetooth technology will be placed at intersection corners that will send college students an alert through an app, with a message, sound, or vibrating warning. The app might also freeze a user's cell phone screen when crossing the street.

"[F]or research purposes, the app also will download data concerning the users' behavior while crossing the street," the grant states, including if a user stops using their phone, put it in their pocket, or leaves music on.

The project began on Sept. 1 and has received $172,321 from taxpayers. The research will continue through August 2020.  

Narrative Pedestrian injuries kill over 5700 Americans annually, including about 665 young adults ages 18-25. Unlike most medical conditions, the pedestrian injury rate is currently increasing in the United States. This project will study the efficacy of an intervention to reduce distracted pedestrian behavior using smartphone technology.

USING BLUETOOTH BEACON TECHNOLOGY TO REDUCE DISTRACTED PEDESTRIAN BEHAVIOR

Read more about the Grant. 

Seniors beware and also refer to this safety guide.

Did Edison Workers Cause The Deadly 10 Freeway Bus Accident?

Of course the "Drive By Media" does not report that So Cal Edison & CHP might be partly to blame for the deadly bus accident.  It was dark when the crash happened at 5:15 am. The semi was going only about 5 mph in the second-from-right westbound lane; traffic had slowed because of a traffic break a mile or two ahead to allow Southern California Edison workers to pull wires across the 10 freeway.

"An Edison maintenance crew had slowed down traffic on Interstate 10 before the vehicles crashed just north of the desert resort town of Palm Springs, California Highway Patrol Border Division Chief Jim Abele said. The work had gone on for hours without problems, he said. CHP officers had been slowing traffic to allow Southern California Edison workers to string wires across the freeway, Abele said."

10 Freeway Accident Location After Curves

10 Freeway Deadly Bus Accident Location

As you can see the accident occurred near a curve on the 10 freeway.  Cars and trucks are often moving at 75-90+ MPH on this section of freeway.

Did the California Highway Patrol give proper warning to drivers westbound?

Did So Cal Edison properly warn drivers that they were stopping traffic miles ahead?

Were there warning signs placed on the freeway miles back to warn of the potential slow down?

I am curious if Waze was warning drivers at the time of the slow down on their app at 5am?

Seems to me that this could have been prevented and not a lot is being reported on the topic.

Should The Apple Self Driving Car Tell You Where The Dangerous Intersections Are?

Apple Self Driving Car

Don't you think the Apple self driving car should know where the dangerous intersections are?  Waze already has a dangerous intersections warning on their app.  Google owns Waze and most certainly will integrate their dangerous intersection data into the driving experience of their self driving cars.  

Dangerous Railroad Crossing With No Warning or Crossing Arms

Railroad & Road Intersection with no Crossing Arms

A dangerous intersection that has been the scene of several deaths in southwest Arkansas will finally see safety features added.  It only costs $350,000 to add a warning.  Why does it cost so much?  

A railroad crossing without any warning signs or crossing arms can pose a significant safety hazard. It is essential to have proper warning signals in place to alert drivers and pedestrians about the presence of a railroad track to prevent accidents and ensure their safety. If you encounter such a situation, it is important to take extra precautions and follow these guidelines:

Slow down and be prepared to stop: Approach the railroad crossing with caution, reduce your speed, and be ready to stop if you see or hear a train approaching.

Look for other signs: Even if there are no official warning signs or crossing arms, there might be other indicators such as a stop sign, yield sign, or painted markings on the road. Pay attention to any such cues that could warn you about the presence of a railroad track.

Listen for train sounds: Keep your windows down and listen for the sound of an approaching train. Trains make a distinct noise that can be heard from a distance. If you hear a train, exercise extreme caution and wait for it to pass before proceeding.

Look both ways: Before crossing the railroad tracks, look both ways along the track to ensure no trains are coming from either direction. Trains can approach from any direction, so it's crucial to check for any potential danger.

Be aware of train schedules: If you frequently travel across a particular railroad crossing, try to familiarize yourself with the train schedules. Knowing when trains are likely to pass through can help you plan your trips accordingly and avoid potential conflicts.

Report the issue: If you encounter a railroad crossing without proper warning signals or crossing arms, report it to the appropriate authorities. They can take the necessary steps to address the issue and enhance safety measures at that crossing.

Remember, it is crucial to exercise caution and prioritize safety when encountering a railroad crossing without warning signs or crossing arms.