Apple Maps is useful not only for navigation but also for staying informed about current traffic conditions. Even if you know which roads to avoid during rush hour, taking a quick look at the Maps app before you set off is always a good idea. And as long as you have a solid road charger and a proper phone holder, there’s really no reason why you can’t keep the app open while you drive. In fact, you can use hands-free Siri commands to report hazards and other types of road incidents in real time.
First, you need to make sure your iPhone is running iOS 14.5 or later. Once that’s done, you really don’t have to do anything special. With Apple Maps open, just say something like “Siri, I just saw an accident” or “Siri, there’s a moose in the middle of the road.” Let’s say you’re approaching a previously reported Maps incident, but the hazard has been cleared. You can also say “Siri, the crash is over” and Apple Assistant will record your findings.
That’s all there is to it, at least in terms of hands-free prompts. If your front passenger wants to report the incident via iPhone while you are driving, there are several methods to do so. We’ll start with the simplest, which is to report an incident while a Maps route is already in progress.
You can use Siri voice commands to report incidents on the road, but there are other reporting options as well.
When Apple Maps displays turn-by-turn directions, you can report incidents by tapping the incidents icon (a message bubble with an exclamation point in the middle). You can also view the incidents panel by tapping the route card, then tapping Report an incident. All that remains is to choose the type of incident. If you’re not actively following a Maps route, you can access the incidents panel by tapping your name or initials in the Maps app, which is next to the search box. Then tap Reports > Report a new problem > Report an incidentand choose the hazard you want to report about. Options include accidents, traffic, road works, road closures, hazards, and more.
You can also update existing incidents using your screen; just tap an upcoming incident marker, then tap Cleared Or Always there. Alternatively, many of these touchscreen instructions will also work when using Apple CarPlay. The proprietary infotainment platform is built into hundreds of vehicles and is primarily designed to prevent drivers from fiddling with their iPhones while driving. If your vehicle doesn’t have CarPlay, you may be able to add it by investing in an aftermarket device, of which there are many choices.
Apple Maps is always optimized and improved with every iOS update. The best way to ensure your iPhone is running the most recent software available. To do this, you can configure automatic updates for iOS by going to Settings > General > Software updates > Automatic updates.
