I live in California. It would be great if Waze could obtain information from local transit entities about road closures or construction, weather, etc. For example, in California Caltrans maintains (fixes or repairs) most highways throughout the state.
Getting (1) and sending (2) information to similar entities would be helpful and promote safety for drivers.
- Cross communication regarding current or live road conditions.
I have experienced onramp or offramp highway closures due to pre planned construction. I report it, but it often feels like this should have been considered by navigation directions. Waze is already amazing but it would be great if, local entities like Caltrans in California, could submit these closures directly to Waze. This type of communication would assist drivers by informing them of real-time highway conditions, navigation redirect, traffic, etc. - Real time alerts of hazardous or dangerous roads to public entities.
When drivers or passengers encounter hazardous road conditions and multiple people affirm that hazard or danger, Waze could inform or communicate with local public entities (Caltrans or highway maintenance department, fire department, highway police) of the hazardous condition. For example, pot holes on the road or hazardous debris. If communicated or relayed to the right entity they would have the responsibility to fix or deal with said dangerous road conditions. This feature could prevent accidents and traffic. Also, if there is an emergent situation like forest fires, mud slides, terrorist attack, etc.
When a user (Wazer) reports police presence, the feature should allow for the user to easily indicate whether the police patrol is (1) a car (2) a motorcycle, (3) MORE importantly whether the patrol unit is mobile or stationary (4) allow a driver to get police ALERTS whether she/he is approaching a police unit or whether the police is approaching them from behind. I love that Waze allows the hidden police alert but that could be improved to better alerts. 3 and 4 are more important.
The reason for the distinction between car or motorcycle is that motorcycles move faster and might be approaching faster than a car.
I’ve received many complaints from other Wazers that they didn’t see police units after I submitted an alert. I also have been alerted of police presence but often don’t see any police. It’s obvious to most Wazers that the patrol car was moving (mobile) and won’t necessarily be at the specific spot where it was originally reported.
Additionally, allowing police ALERTS is perfectly legal. Especially, when they are pre-planned. This is a U.S. (federal) constitutional protection (cannot be stopped by law enforcement unless they have a legal reason). In California police must issue a public notice 72 hours prior to a planned (non-emergency) checkpoint. The media must be notified and the specific location must be publicly disclosed. Recently, in California and other states, there have been multiple violations by law enforcement of this constitutionally protected right. This feature would further the goals of public policy.