Google Maps has a useful tool for avoiding traffic jams when driving yourself during the holidays

Google Maps is a very popular tool among drivers. However, not everyone takes advantage of all the useful features brought by this application, apart from instructions.

One of the extended features of Google Maps is that this application can display traffic conditions in real time, helping pedestrians to easily check whether they should take a certain route or not.

Google Maps calculations are based on combining information about vehicles’ location and speed (anonymized), then displays congestion levels in real time.

To use this feature, users simply need to open the Maps application on their phone, select the stacked square icon in the right corner of the screen, select the “Default” map type and then click on the detailed information section on the map. Must select “Traffic”. , Then close this window by tapping on the

At this time, each road on Google Maps will have different colored lines showing the traffic flow in that area. Green means the road is clear, orange means it is relatively crowded, and red means it is very crowded, possibly even overcrowded.

Based on this color code, users can easily determine whether to turn onto a certain road, or change routes to avoid being “stranded” for a long time.

Users can easily use this feature even without moving. Thanks to this, drivers can plan their travel routes before they hit the road.

The feature is available on the web version on iOS, Android, and computers. The downside is that users need to be connected to the Internet to always update traffic conditions in real time. Therefore, it is best to install 3G/4G in your phone.

The downside is that sometimes the updates are not accurate, for example the “green” line may actually be blocked, due to many factors that can influence Google’s algorithms.