Change the "watch out" alert.
I think it would be beneficial to change the way Waze gives alerts. The automated voice says "Watch out" and it's for a vehicle on the shoulder like 2 miles a head of you, or for a cop or something in the middle of the freeway. When Waze alerts about these issues, it always makes my heart drop. Imagine you are on the rode at night and your passenger, says "WATCH OUT" very loud, it would frighten anyone, and the last person you want to be scared is the driver. Maybe something less urgent, for non urgent alerts, like "alert" or something that doesn't sound as immediate.
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Kyrylo Zaluga commented
Also want to introduce you to another option called Mentalzon (https://mentalzon.com) online therapy, which offers various types of therapy services, such as individual, couple, family, and group therapy. Mentalzon aims to provide accessible, affordable, and effective mental health care for people who need it. 😊
You can choose from a network of qualified and experienced therapists who specialize in different areas, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, etc. You can communicate with your therapist via video, voice, or text chat, depending on your preference and availability. You can also access self-help resources, such as articles, podcasts, and exercises, to support your therapy journey.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for mental health issues, so it’s important to have different options to find what works best for you. I hope you find Mentalzon useful and beneficial. -
Jerry Eisner commented
My wife and I both find ourselves startled and alarmed by the sudden "Watch Out!" voice alert for such things as cars pulled off to the side of the road or an upcoming train track. We don't mind being informed, but save the startle alerts for real road problems. Even the words "watch out" could be used in a calmer manner and still adequately warn of things to be aware of.
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Himanshu commented
Larry, it's great to hear that you found effective support through online therapy on the platform you mentioned. Managing anxiety and stress can be a real challenge, especially for those new to driving or anyone facing anxious situations.
I'd also like to mention another option called Mantracare (https://mantracare.org/) online therapy, which provides a similar opportunity for professional support and self-therapy tools. It's always good to have different options available for those who may benefit from them.
Remember, what works best can vary from person to person, so it's fantastic to have choices to explore what suits your individual needs the most.
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Donna Valentine commented
My husband uses waze and the WATCH OUT warnings trigger my anxiety so much that I won't DL it for myself until there's at least an option to change it. "Caution" would be a good replacement.
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Maureen Bell commented
ABSOLUTELY AGREE!! The "watch out" causes a startle reflex for most people. Change wording to "Caution"
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Maureen Dwyer commented
I agree!!!!
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ShashaPB commented
Reina I agree it stresses me out every time I hear “Watch Out” maybe Caution would be a better word ?
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Donna Valentine commented
My adrenaline spikes every. Freaking. Time. I hate it. "Caution" would be much better. My anxiety thanks you.
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Larry Malley commented
Reina, I fully support you. An experienced driver reacts to this kind of check more calmly, but for beginners behind the wheel, an extra stressful situation is useless. I know what I'm talking about. Since for a long time, having experienced, for example, an anxious state, I could not come to my senses. The licensed specialists of this platform https://us.calmerry.com/ studied my problem and provided me with professional support. I was offered online therapy sessions and learned self-therapy tools. As it turned out, for me it is more effective than traditional therapy. Now I calmly react to any situation in life.
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AlicePink commented
Guys, I agree with you.
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Robert Skinner commented
Please omit “Watch out!” when reporting cars on the side of the road. It’s both irritating and unnecessary. We hear that every 5 or 10 minutes when driving on the expressway and we tend to just tune it out. Save “Watch out” for police reports and items actually on the roadway.
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Anonymous commented
Why does the phrase "Watch out" have to be used? It can make the Driver jump/be surprised! Just say "Vehicle on shoulder", "Construction ahead", Please lose the WATCH OUT phrase
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Nicole B commented
It’s more proactive for the brain which is multitasking already to become aware of a new thing to address. Being screamed at to “watch out” is aggressive and unnecessary to startle a driver when it’s a pothole or car on the side of the road. Adds to aggressive and anxiety levels. Waze should be more supportive in language than promoting road rage in drivers. Being Aware allows a driver to calmly respond to a matter assuming it’s still there and continue driving safely.
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Anonymous commented
Hearing "watch out" caused a slight panic while driving. Changing it to caution will make sure listeners are aware that there is something ahead to be alert about.
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Kathi commented
Saying "warning" instead of "watch out" would give drivers a heads up without making them want to instinctively slam on the brakes. Otherwise the app is great!
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Betsy Brodeur commented
Agreed! For anxious, new, or elderly drivers - the abrupt "watch out!" or "hazard!" can be extremely startling and even dangerous in certain situations. A gentle tone prior to the voice alert would do wonders to alleviate a potentially problematic reaction.
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Anonymous commented
I agree, the watch out part is a waste. We know to watch out. More helpful would be ‘vehicle on left (or right) shoulder ahead so we are prepared, especially with the Florida ‘move over’ law.
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sheepsquasher commented
Anonymous has it. Waze should state the facts and not be emotive. "Watch out" suggests I'm not paying attention - it's almost an insult. Don't tell me how to drive, and I'll not tell you how to navigate...
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sheepsquasher commented
I always "Watch out" - that's what driving is about. I absolutely HATE the "Watch Out" prefix. That's what I'm doing. If I didn't 'watch out' I'ld hit the car in front, miss a turning, drive off the road...
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SK commented
We think having the voice say "Attention" rather than "Watch Out" will be easier to understand and not as alarming as the "Watch Out" can sometimes sound.