The reason Google Maps sometimes gives you the wrong directions

Sometimes when you use Google Maps, it will recommend a different and longer route than the one you may know. A recent study showed that there is a specific reason why the map app may take you on a winding path rather than a technically more direct and therefore possibly faster path. It all comes down to traffic congestion and the need to clear the best path for drivers who were already there.

A dedicated team from Google’s research department conducted an urban mobility test to see if new routes on Google Maps could reduce travel delays and reduce emissions from vehicles on the road. By offering additional routes to those using Google Maps, it was revealed that traffic decreased in highly congested areas, increasing vehicle speeds by 2% and shortening travel times for those cars by 0.7%.

That doesn’t sound like much, but it proved to scientists that it was possible to reduce the total travel time by providing alternative routes. This is why those who use Google Maps will see several options, as all of this is aimed at making it easier for cars to move through typically congested areas, such as major highways. New features have also been added to Google Maps to help you travel more efficiently.

The study, conducted by Google and its team of researchers, was carried out over a six-month period in 10 cities across the United States. These included major travel hubs or destinations including Seattle, Salt Lake City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, etc. The search took place on 100 road segments considered highly congested and allowed Google Maps to redirect users from busy highways and clogged strips of road to less busy roads.

The selected alternative routes were of a similar class to the main routes and also had equal travel times. The research found that in each city there was a slight increase in vehicle speeds and a reduction in journey times compared to initial journeys, with drivers sent onto new routes avoiding busy sections. The research also found that there was a potential decrease of around 1,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per city.

The Google study concluded by stating that even if the test was successful, it represented only a small part of what could be possible. Many other variables had to be taken into account, such as people using public transport and not following the indicated route. The study was a one-off test and users still have the option to select the routes offered on Google Maps. The company is constantly adding and updating the app as needed with new and useful traffic features to help drivers.

Aside from Google’s test, other factors may be at play that may give you multiple routes to a destination. If you ever find that Google Maps offers you several different routes to your destination, you may be able to turn them off or on, depending on a few settings in the app itself.

Typically, Google Maps offers several routes in general so you can choose which path you want to take. However, if certain features are enabled, other routes may be displayed in the app. A Reddit thread states that you may have an option to find the most fuel-efficient route. You may also have the choice to avoid activated highways, which may direct you to routes such as city streets and secondary roads.

These and a few other hidden features of Google Maps can make your trip a little smoother. The research study was just one way to show how taking alternative routes can relieve congestion on highways and improve travel times for drivers in some of the most congested areas of busy cities. Google could even potentially work with city officials to build on the search at a later date.