Traffic jam detector apps - Which are the best?
Set. For an indefinite period of time, because real-time information or not: If you are stuck in a traffic jam, you don't know when it will actually continue. The current traffic jam statistics foreshadow evil: Never before have there been so many traffic jams. It's a good thing that there are little helpers on the smartphone that warn of traffic jams and know alternative routes if the worst comes to the worst.
Statistically, there are around 2,000 traffic jams in Germany every day, according to the ADAC traffic jam statistics. In 2018, around 745,000 traffic jams formed on the local roads – a new traffic jam record. According to the car club, the reason for this is the increase in construction sites and the increase in vehicle mileage. Fortunately, the range of traffic jam detectors that promise relief is also growing.
Traffic jam detector apps for Android and iOS at a glance
ADAC only for members
The app of the General German Auto Club (ADAC) is only for members. For them, however, the program offers numerous features such as a traffic jam alarm and a hazard message at no additional cost. The current traffic situation can be viewed as a list or on a map. Traffic jams can also be displayed along the planned route. Traffic reports are updated every five minutes.
Anyone who wants to contribute to the reliability of traffic data can activate the scanner. Then the smartphone anonymously reports traffic jams that the mobile phone owner has just gotten into. The smartphone owner does not have to be an ADAC member for this. The scanner is also available in the ADAC fuel prices app.
Google Maps
The free Google Maps app includes a navigation function. Once you have found the destination on the map, you can navigate there at the touch of a button. Along the current route, Google Maps shows the traffic situation by means of a colored background of the road. If the road section is green, you have free travel. With orange you have to expect delays. If the app shows a red road, there is a traffic jam there. The expected delay is displayed as a time indication and usually a detour is offered. Before departure, you can also use the app to find out at what time there is a lot of traffic and when there is little traffic on your planned route.
Maps from Apple
The program developed by Apple is free and already installed on iPhones. The app offers a navigation function with real-time traffic conditions and the display of disruptions. In addition, if desired, it displays the maximum speed allowed on the road you are currently driving on. A lane assistant is also available, which tells you in good time which lane is best for you.
Traffic jam mobile
The free app provides information about traffic jams and dangers on the planned route. The current traffic information can be filtered by motorway, federal highway or federal state. Frequently driven routes can be saved. In addition, the app offers a forecast for the coming week, which takes into account holidays, permanent construction sites and major events. The app is ad-supported and requires registration. For an extra charge, there is a variant without advertising.
Traffic jam 1 – Traffic jam detector
The app informs you about new traffic jams on your route by means of push notifications. The traffic situation can be filtered and displayed by state or by motorway. Reports can be shared with others. If you want, you can report a new traffic jam to the app yourself. If you want to use the app without ads, choose the paid version.
TomTom Go Mobile / Amigo
The navigation system manufacturer TomTom offers two apps for the different operating systems. For Android smartphones, there is the paid app called TomTom Go Mobile. The app offers offline maps, real-time traffic information and information about speed cameras. In online mode, you can share your arrival time with those who are waiting for you. In addition, there is more accurate traffic or hazard information based on a community consisting of millions of other drivers. There is a free navigation of 75 kilometers per month – alternatively, a monthly or annual subscription is available.
In the App Store, there is the TomTom Go Navigation app. This version also offers offline maps. There are also weekly updates. Online, the app calculates the estimated time of arrival and offers alternative routes in traffic jams. For unknown routes, there is a dynamic lane assistant that allows you to always be on the right lane. The app costs 1.99 euros per month or 12.99 euros per year and is ad-free.
The Amigo app is based on data from a community. It offers online navigation as well as warnings of traffic jams, road closures and permanently installed speed cameras. Traffic disruptions are displayed on the map. For Android phones, there's a widget mode that lets you see and send updates.
Waze
The free app was developed by a start-up and later bought by Google. The navigation app uses traffic information that millions of users worldwide transmit in real time. This includes, for example, the speed driven. If you want to reveal even more information, you can do so manually. This keeps the map material up to date at all times.
The app is available for Android and iOS. During navigation, it warns of current disruptions such as a police operation, a traffic jam, construction sites or accidents. In case of delays, Waze will calculate an alternative route. According to the provider, the arrival time is constantly updated on the basis of real-time traffic data. In addition, the app can suggest an earlier start date in case of heavy traffic so that you arrive at your destination on time. In addition to traffic jams, you can also use the app to find the cheapest gas station on your route as well as parking spaces. If you use an Android smartphone and Android Auto, you can also display Waze on the display of your car.
Traffic jam detection apps at a glance
| Name der App | Android | Ios | Windows |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADAC members | YES | YES | - |
| Apple Maps | - | YES | - |
| Google Maps | YES | YES | As gMaps |
| Traffic jam mobile | YES | YES | YES |
| Traffic jam 1 – Traffic jam detector | - | YES | - |
| Tom Tom Go Mobile | YES | - | - |
| Tom Tom Go Navigation | - | YES | - |
| Amigo | YES | YES | - |
| Waze | YES | YES | - |
What other tips will help you avoid traffic jams?
If you want to avoid traffic jams, you should plan your trip and preferably be a little flexible. According to the ADAC, Wednesday in particular is a day of the week plagued by traffic jams. In addition, you should avoid the times when there is rush hour traffic: from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.