Google Maps' 'Share Trip Progress' Saves Lives by Eliminating Distracted Driving
The dangers of texting while driving are well-documented, and most people know it's not a good idea. However, many still do it to inform others of their estimated time of arrival (ETA). A former law enforcement officer notes that distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents, with over 3,200 fatalities in 2024 alone.
When you take your eyes off the road for even a few seconds, you're not paying attention to what could come into your path. According to statistics, if you look away for five seconds while driving at 55 mph, you've covered an entire football field blindfolded. This is a staggering reality that people often overlook.
Google Maps has a feature called 'Share Trip Progress' that can help alleviate this issue. By turning it on before starting your journey and selecting who to share with, the app will automatically send updates of your location and ETA without requiring any further interaction from you. This way, you don't have to worry about typing or reading messages while driving.
The 'Share Trip Progress' feature can be accessed by swiping up on the navigation card at the bottom of the screen. From there, you can share your trip with Google contacts or other messaging apps like iMessage, WhatsApp, or Messenger. Once shared, the app will continue to send updates in real-time, showing your route and any changes made due to traffic or rerouting.
Another option for sharing location is Find My, which continuously tracks your location even when not actively using navigation. This can be useful if you have a significant other or kids who want to keep tabs on you. Combining both features allows for comprehensive tracking without requiring constant phone interaction while driving.