Google Maps Launches New Traffic Alerts Just In Time For Memorial Day

Memorial Day weekend drivers have a new tool in fighting congested traffic this year thanks to Google Inc (NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL).

Just before this year's weekend travel rush, Google Maps launched a new traffic alert feature that is aimed at keeping drivers more informed about what’s going on ahead, why it’s happening, and which alternate route is best.

The New Alerts

Google explained the new traffic alerts in a recent blog post. According to the post, Google Maps will now provide drivers with explanations of traffic conditions along with estimations of how long drivers will be stuck in traffic.

“You’ll also get the option to take alternate routes, including explanations for why one is recommended—whether it’s the fastest or avoids an incident,” Google wrote.

Related Link: Apple Vs. Google: The Mapping War That's Just Beginning

Map Wars Heating Up

In its latest push to compete with Google, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) recently announced the launch of a new public transportation directions feature in Apple Maps. Google Maps is currently the gold standard in navigation, and Apple has a lot of ground to make up to gain significant market share in the space.

With the addition of Google Maps’ new traffic alerts, Google is attempting to continue to stay one step ahead of its competition.

Memorial Day Destinations

Drivers need all the help they can get navigating the roads on Memorial Day weekend, one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

Americans travel far and wide in honor of brave service men and women.

In its blog post, Google included a breakdown of the top six trending Google Maps searches from last year’s Memorial Day weekend.

According to the data, Americans celebrated the weekend by eating good food, enjoying the warm weather, paying respects to lost loved ones, making a shopping run and (of course) burning through a tank or two of gas along the way.