Tech Tips: How to check for traffic jams before leaving for the office? This Google Maps trick will come in handy..

The monsoon has arrived, bringing heavy rainfall across the country. While this has provided relief from the heat, waterlogging on major roads has led to increased traffic congestion. Commuters heading to the office in the morning face the most inconvenience; getting stuck in traffic can cause you to miss important work tasks and spoil your mood right at the start of the day.

But what if you could find out about traffic conditions before even leaving for the office? If you use a smartphone, the navigation app Google Maps can significantly alleviate this daily hassle. The app includes several hidden smart features that allow you to check the precise traffic status along your route before stepping out of your home. Let’s explore these tricks that can make your commute easier.

1. How to check route traffic
Before leaving for the office, open Google Maps on your phone and enter your office address in the search bar at the top. Then, tap on 'Directions' and select your current location.

You will see one or more routes displayed on the screen. Google Maps also shows the estimated travel time for each route. If a particular route has heavy traffic, the estimated travel time will appear higher. You can then choose the route that takes less time.

2. Understand traffic conditions through colors
Google Maps displays traffic information using colors:
Blue: Traffic is normal, and vehicles are moving smoothly.
Orange: Traffic on the road is slightly slow.
Red: There is heavy traffic, and vehicles are moving slowly.
Dark Red: There is a severe traffic jam, and you may face a long wait.

By observing these colors, you can quickly decide which route is best to take.

3. The 'Leave at' feature is also useful
If you commute to the office at a fixed time every day, the 'Leave at' feature in Google Maps can prove to be very useful. After entering your office address, tap the three-dot menu and select the "Set depart or arrive time" option. Enter your office arrival time here. Google Maps will then use traffic data to tell you what time you should leave home to arrive on time.

4. Save time and fuel with live traffic updates
Google Maps continuously updates live traffic data. If there is an accident, a roadblock, or a sudden surge in traffic along your route, the app suggests alternative routes. This not only saves time but also reduces fuel consumption.

5. Keep location services enabled
Ensure that your phone's location services and internet connection are turned on to view accurate traffic information on Google Maps. Additionally, keep the app updated to the latest version for the best experience.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.