Google Maps has a number of safety measures that could potentially save your life. We’ll look at a few of the most prominent ones here. Life is unpredictable; pandemics, emergencies, and natural disasters appear to be commonplace these days. Because no one can predict where or when the next crisis will strike, it has become vital for many to maintain a high level of situational awareness in order to at least stay safe during calamities.
Fortunately, Google Maps has us covered. We’ll take a look at some of Google Maps‘ features that could potentially save your life. Let’s hope you never have to use them, but knowing they’re there is comforting.
Why Would You Require Google Maps for Safety?
The COVID-19 epidemic, as well as the current global scenario from which we are emerging, have surely put us all to the test, both personally and collectively. Even so, situations do happen, and knowing that you and your loved ones are safe from these unforeseen events is crucial for peace of mind.
That is why it is necessary to have more information in order to better understand how to protect ourselves from large crowds, avoid accidents, avoid major emergencies, and be aware of natural disasters. There are numerous companies that provide emergency warnings in this regard, but none of them can compete with Google.
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Google Maps has amassed so much data that it has evolved into the ideal emergency app, capable of providing us with ever-increasing amounts of information to keep us safe. Their features have gotten so popular that they are now used by Android for earthquake warnings. COVID-19 Safety Features in Google Maps. One of Google Maps’ most impressive features is the ability to view how busy a location is at any given time.
This means you can tour the shops and restaurants in your immediate vicinity to determine the best spot based on the current level of crowding. This is a useful feature because social alienation plays a factor in most decisions. Furthermore, on Maps and Search, Google prominently displays critical health and safety information about businesses.
You will be able to observe what security safeguards a company takes if the information is provided. You can check to see if they need clients to wear masks, for example. Information about onboard safety, accessibility, and, in some cases, the temperature of public transportation could also be shown.
Safety Features for Emergency Situations on Google Maps
Google has released a new feature that will alert users if they are in a region affected by a natural catastrophe or emergency, such as tropical storms, earthquakes, floods, or wildfires. Each has its own icon, such as earthquakes, vehicle accidents, shootings, and protests.
A moving red dot representing an alarm and wording describing the sort of emergency will appear on Google Maps. When you tap this feature, you can learn more about the incident. At the bottom of the page, you’ll see a pop-up box with more detailed information about the time and day to see if a warning has previously occurred or is now occurring.
This type of feature aids in the dissemination of information and ensures that the majority of the local community is informed, especially in the earliest and most vital moments of an incident. You could even contact 911 from your computer if you are in front of your computer and receive a warning about these situations.
Google Maps has a number of road safety features
The majority of people are familiar with Google Maps traffic alerts, which will reroute you to a different route if it detects severe traffic. Few people are aware that Google Maps will also alert you to car accidents if they are reported.
Even fewer people are aware of Google Maps Safer Routing, which was created to reduce unexpected breaks and accidents. When leading you to your location on Google Maps, Safer Routing will take into account road, weather, and traffic conditions.
If you have a Google Pixel phone, you can feel even safer behind the wheel because it includes a crash detection feature. To detect an automobile crash, the crash detection system employs your phone’s accelerometer sensor, Google Maps location, ambient noise, and microphone.
If your Pixel detects a crash and you don’t ignore the alarm, the phone will loudly ring and summon 911. This service is similar to the fall detection mechanism on the Apple Watch and iPhone. Although this isn’t a Google Maps service, it’s worth mentioning that it does use Google Maps to notify your emergency contacts about the accident.
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Google Maps Continues to Improve
Google Maps is no longer merely for getting from point A to point B. It’s now a full-fledged recommendation engine that will give you with safety information on the destinations you’re considering. That is why, for best results, you should download maps for offline use, especially from the city you live in or are visiting.
You never know when you’ll need Wi-Fi or internet connection in an emergency. Yes, the GPS will operate even when you’re offline, thus you’ll be able to use Google Maps’ most important features.
