Google Maps’ new feature tackles the issue of traffic congestion with an innovative approach. According to the new patent, Google Maps will offer optimal speed suggestions for vehicles entering heavy traffic, aiming to prevent such congestion.
Google Maps announces new feature: An end to traffic jams
Traffic congestion often occurs due to chain reactions following a vehicle’s sudden decrease in speed without a clear reason. The speed suggestion will be calculated based on the speed of vehicles ahead and maintaining safe distances. If all drivers adhere to this suggested speed, traffic congestion could potentially be prevented.
To avoid drivers constantly looking at the speed recommendation, Google Maps is considering a color-coded speed indicator. Green indicates you can speed up, yellow suggests slowing down, and blue shows you’re at the right speed. The success of this idea depends on all drivers following the recommended speed.
A new study suggests that adding white light to traffic signals could speed up traffic flow for autonomous vehicles and pedestrian safety.
If a driver does not follow this recommendation or follows too closely, congestion can still occur. However, as automated driving technologies develop, this feature could become more functional. In a future with both manual and automatic vehicles, this feature could help human drivers maintain appropriate speeds without disrupting traffic flow.
Here’s how Google Maps’ new feature to prevent traffic jams will be used:
- Speed Recommendation: Google Maps will offer a speed suggestion to vehicles on congested roads to optimize traffic flow. This speed is calculated based on the speed of the vehicles ahead and safe distances.
- Color-Coded Display: To prevent drivers from constantly looking at the screen, speed recommendations are displayed in different colors:
- Green: Drivers can speed up.
Yellow: Indicates drivers should slow down.
Blue: Shows drivers are at the correct speed. - Adapting to Traffic Flow: When all drivers adhere to the recommended speed, chain slowdowns are prevented, and phantom traffic jams are avoided.
This feature can be activated via the Google Maps app and dynamically adjusted based on traffic congestion along the route. With the advancement of automated driving technologies, this feature could become even more functional, as automated vehicles may tend to adhere more consistently to these speed recommendations. This could improve traffic flow while enhancing driver safety.
How do you think this feature will impact traffic management and the driving experience? Will Google’s new feature truly improve traffic flow? We look forward to discussing these questions and more with your thoughts.
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