Apple Maps helps drivers across the world find direct routes to their destination and provides traffic information along the way. In the US and mainland China, not only can you see the traffic status of your route, but you can also create and view incident reports to help other drivers following the same path.
Here is how you can create your own incident reports on Apple Maps to help your community better navigate safer roads.
Why Should You Report Incidents on Apple Maps?
There are three types of incidents you can report using Apple Maps: accidents, hazards, and speed checks. When you create an incident report it helps other drivers become aware of potential issues on the way to their destination.
If someone was looking at Apple Maps to see if there would be traffic on their way to work, your incident would pop up on their screen as a warning—without any details about you, of course. Your incident could allow them to find an alternative route to work, saving them from being late had they not been aware of the road conditions.
The concept applies to any of the incidents you can create on Apple Maps. If there is an officer checking for speeders, you can log the incident and anyone else taking that road will know to check their speed at the appropriate time to avoid a ticket. If you report an incident of a speed check, it will not show up on your regular map. Instead, you will see them when using your turn-by-turn directions.
Reporting incidents on Apple Maps helps your entire community become safer drivers.
How to Report Incidents on Apple Maps Using Your iPhone
As long as you iOS 14.5 or later, you will be able to report incidents on Apple Maps. The feature is only available to the US and mainland China, but there is one slight difference between the two. In China, you can report roadwork as opposed to speed checks.
When using your iPhone you have several ways to report an incident. Reporting incidents on your iPad will follow the exact same instructions as your iPhone.
Reporting an Incident Using Siri
You can ask Siri, by saying "Hey Siri, report an accident," and your phone will log the activity on your maps.
This is the safest option to use while driving.
Reporting an Incident Using Turn-By-Turn Directions
You can also report an incident while using turn-by-turn directions. When you report an incident, Apple evaluates the incoming reports looking for several reports coming from different devices, Apple will then add the incident to Apple Maps. Here's how:
- In Apple Maps, tap the arrow icon.
- Select Report.
- Choose between Accident, Hazard, or Speed Check.
Apple Maps will use your current location to place the incident. You can't remove the incident you reported, so make sure you are using the feature responsibly to help other drivers.
Reporting an Incident From Map's Main Screen
If you aren't following directions, you can still report an incident with these steps:
- Open Apple Maps and tap the info icon.
- Select Report an Issue.
- Choose between Accident, Hazard, and Speed Check.
- Select the location of the incident.
You can also add details of the incident, up to 1000 characters. When selecting your location you're able to navigate through the map, so you can pin point the exact spot the incident occurred.
How to Report the Status of an Incident Marker
You may have seen incidents in Apple Maps only to learn when you drove past the location the incident was no longer there. Maybe an accident was cleared up or some construction workers finished their road work. When that happens, you can change the status of the incident from your phone.
Here's how to update incidents:
- Tap the incident marker in Apple Maps.
- Select Cleared or Still Here.
You won't be able to clear speed check incidents using this method. Just like when adding an incident, Apple will evaluate how many reports it receives and, if they seem valid, Apple will remove the incident marker.
Reporting Incidents on Apple Maps
You can report incidents along your route in Apple Maps whether you are using your iPhone or iPad. Reporting incidents, like car accidents, road hazards, or speed checks, helps other drivers watch out for potential issues on the way to their destinations.
Apple Maps may have some nifty features like this, but that doesn't necessarily make it the best map app available. You should compare all the most popular apps to find the best option for your next road trip.
