Driving on public roads can present all kinds of hazards, but having a heads-up warning can help you be better prepared for them. Apple recognizes this, which is why it allows you to report incidents on Maps for the benefit of other users. If you see something dangerous on your route that you want to warn others about, you can do so by following the steps below. Note that the reporting feature described here is also available through CarPlay, which should make it easier to report an incident while driving when, ideally, you shouldn’t be interacting with your phone. Apple Maps helps drivers around the world find direct routes to their destinations and provides traffic information along the way.
In the US and mainland China, you can not only view the traffic status of your route, but also create and view incident reports to help other drivers driving the same route. If someone checked Apple Maps to see if there was any traffic on their way to work, your incident would show up as an on-screen alert, with no details about you, of course. Your incident could allow them to find an alternate route to work and avoid being late if they were unaware of road conditions.
How to Report Hazards, Speed Traps, Accidents on Apple Maps
For now, incident reporting is limited to the US and China.
- Q: How can I report an incident while driving using Apple Maps on iOS 14.5?
A: When driving while using Apple Maps navigation, use a Siri command such as “there’s a crash ahead,” “there’s something in the road,” “there’s a speed trap,” or even “the accident has been fixed.” Siri will confirm by saying something like “OK, sending report.” - Q: Can passengers manually report incidents on Apple Maps on iOS 14.5?
A: Yes, for passengers, you can manually report incidents. Tap the up arrow in the bottom right corner, then choose Report. You can now choose “Accident,” “Danger,” or “Speed Check.” For features that already appear on Apple Maps, you can tap on them and choose between “Deleted” and “Still Here.”
Share Apple Maps ETA When Walking/Biking + CarPlay
- Once you start walking or cycling, with iOS 14.5, you’ll see a shortcut option at the bottom of the screen to share ETAs.
- If you don’t see the shortcut, tap the up arrow in the bottom right corner.
- Then tap Share ETA.
- The Share ETA option is also available when using CarPlay with Siri or the keyboard.
Final Remarks
Reporting traffic accidents and speed bumps in Apple Maps on iOS 14.5 is a great way to contribute to the safety of fellow drivers. By taking a few simple steps, you can help others plan their routes and avoid potential hazards. So the next time you come across an incident on the road, take a moment to report it on Apple Maps. Together, we can make the roads safer for everyone!
