Time is of essence, whether you are on your way to work, catch a flight, going out on a date. And if you live in a bustling city, then getting stuck in a bumper-to-bumper traffic can be one of the greatest roadblocks in being punctual. Add bad weather, rush hour, or temporary road closures to the mix and forget reaching your destination on time even if you considered buffer time.

1. Waze Unlike the conventional maps that you find on your iPhone or an Android smartphone, Waze has a distinct focus – To get its users from point A to point B in the shortest time possible. You can either download it on your phone or even use a browser-based version. Although it may not offer holistic features like street panoramas, 3D imagery, and map downloads, it offers live traffic alerts. Despite its rich driving-focused maps, the app still lacks in ease of use. However, its maps have bright and colorful icons representing different aspects like traffic jams, police, accidents, road closures etc.

   One of its unique features is, the users are represented by cute, small avatars that move around the map in real-time. It also allows the character to change the mood which lets the user give some personal touch and social feel. The app also has a ‘car info’ menu lets you set the type of vehicle you are in – private, taxi, electric, and motorcycle and creates a route accordingly.

2. Here WeGo
   Turn into a city slicker as Here WeGo app has information of at least 1300 cities. This application is available for both iOS and Android and it is best known for offline metropolitan navigation. It allows you to download maps for offline use so that you can use it in case you are running low on data or heading in a subway where there is poor network coverage. Apart from its offline features, users can also use other features including live traffic updates and public transit information, fare information regarding public transportation, and even recommendations whether a bus or a cab is the best bet to reach your destination on time. Although the navigation sounds may sound robotic and less organic, Here WeGo lets you choose from options like shortest or fastest distance in selecting the route.
3. ETA
   ETA is only available for iPhone users, and it displays the travel time to your destination by private car, public transit, and even walking. One of its best features is, ETA integrates with inbuilt applications Messages, Siri, and Today View providing an amazing way to remain punctual and let people know the precise time you will arrive. However, make sure to close the app when you are not using because fetching live traffic updates and maps can reduce the battery life.
4. MapQuest
   It is one of the oldest programs developed during the 90s. MapQuest has access to traffic cameras to let you track live traffic information. However, when the map was developed earlier you could put in start and end locations in the program and print out the directions to take in the car. MapQuest has progressed since then, and today it offers turn-by-turn directions and alternative routes based on live traffic conditions.

Although being an old application, it may not be as robust as its competitors, MapQuest also allows users to customize icons and frequent destinations. Apart from this, tracking location can drain the battery. Hence, It is best to avoid using this application when you are in need of a quick fix.

1. INRIX
   One of the biggest problems with free apps is interrupting ads. This can be more frustrating when you are trying to find a shorter route with minimal traffic to your destination. However, with Inrix is a ad-free app that not only allow users to see live traffic but also report road hazards and accidents in real-time. You also get a notification on your phone once closed road reopens.

   Moreover, the app takes guesswork to another level and automatically learns user’s driving habits to give personalized to avoid the worst congestions. Inrix keeps a tab of real-time road conditions from a crowd-sourced data from over 300 million devices to ensure efficient commute. The app is available for both Android smartphones and iPhones.

Navigation and directions are usually an essential part of these apps. The five apps above not only provide you with directions but also offer an amazing way to remain punctual. You can even use these apps for offline use. It goes without saying that one should never operate your phone while driving as it can be dangerous for the driver, passenger, as well as other vehicles on the road. It is best to ask your co-passengers to help with navigation or use them for live traffic alerts before getting in the vehicle.

https://getjerry.com/advice/the-3-best-apps-for-avoiding-traffic-jams-by-brady-klopfer
https://www.sixt.com/magazine/tips/top-free-navigation-apps/