With many countries having lockdowns or restricted movements, traffic levels have dropped as people travel less. Waze data shows that across the world, Waze users are driving 60% fewer kilometres compared to the February daily average for a 2-week period (February 11 – 25 2020).
In Malaysia, which has had a country-wide Movement Control Order (MCO) since March 18, Waze users are driving significantly less (80% fewer kilometres), compared to the same February daily average.
Despite the overall decrease in the number of people on the road, there are still essential journeys that need to be made every day, such as purchasing necessities, seeking medical care, or to perform official duties for those under essential services.
Understanding that there are places, eg Malaysia, where the authorities are using various measures such as roadblocks to ensure compliance with the regulations, Waze Map Editors and the Waze Crisis Response team are currently working with 58 countries (and counting) to add region-specific relief efforts including road closures, red zones, and more, to the map.
This crisis response will help those who have the travel for legitimate purposes to get to their destinations promptly and home again safely.
Waze has also launched a COVID-19 Landing Page asking governments around the world to contribute data on medical testing centre and emergency food distribution centre locations to help improve its maps for users. Once the data is received, Waze will validate and add the details to the map, and then inform drivers accordingly.
Another initiative that Waze has quickly rolled out is support for drive-throughs and curbside pick-up to help provide users with minimal contact access. This will help compliance with social distancing guidelines. With new Location Personalities badges and search features, businesses which need to update their information can do so in a few simple steps or contact Waze’s support team for help.
For more information about Waze and its community as well as partners’ COVID-19 relief efforts, click here.