How does Google detect traffic & car accidents on Google maps?

Right after that, traffic thinned out, and I was driving the normal speed. I couldn't help but feel a little bit of glee and satisfaction, that I had some sort of insider information others didn't have that allowed me to cut in line. Google Maps is able to do this thanks to all of us. read more

The technology utilized by Google to provide current traffic conditions isn’t without flaws. Radar sensors can’t help motorists avoid stalled vehicles because they can’t detect objects that aren’t in motion. Active infrared and laser radar sensors have been known to malfunction in dense fog or blowing snow. read more

If Google Maps doesn't have enough data to estimate the traffic flow for a particular section of road, that section will appear in gray on the traffic layer [source: Google Help]. With its acquisition of Waze in 2013, Google added a human element to its traffic calculations. read more