How to report accidents, hazards and speed traps in Apple Maps

How to report accidents, hazards and speed traps in Apple Maps

You can use your voice to stay safe while driving.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple Maps gives users in the U.S. the ability to report accidents, hazards and speed traps in iOS 14.5. The information you submit could help other road users avoid lengthy jams and expensive tickets.

Here’s how to file your own report inside the Maps app.

Crowdsourced traffic data can be hugely beneficial inside mapping apps. It is typically more up-to-date and more accurate than other data sources, helping you avoid lengthy delays along your route.

Until now, you needed to download a third-party maps app, such as Waze, to access crowdsourced traffic data. But with Apple Maps in iOS 14.5, it’s baked right in. And you can help make it even better.

Report accidents, hazards and speed traps in Apple Maps

By filing your own reports inside Apple Maps, you can help other commuters enjoy a smoother journey. It’s super-simple, and you can even do it using your voice, so it’s safe when you’re behind the wheel.

In order to file a report, you must be running iOS 14.5 or later — and you must live in the U.S. or China (this feature isn’t available elsewhere yet). You can then follow the steps below.

On iPhone during navigation:

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to view your navigation options, then tap Report.
2. Select Accident, Hazard, or Speed Check.

Tap Report, then choose the incident type.
Screenshots: Cult of Mac

On iPhone from the main Maps screen:

1. Tap the info button in the top-right corner of the screen.
2. Tap Report an Issue.
3. Select Accident, Hazard, or Speed Check.

Inside CarPlay:

• Tap the Report icon inside the Maps app.
• Say something like, “Hey Siri, report an accident.”

It’s as simple as that. You don’t need to provide any other information, such as detailed descriptions of the incident; you just need to tell Maps what kind of incident you’ve encountered and you’re all done.