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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Al Faychak commented
I am a 75-year-old senior and I use ways for the last couple of years for my out-of-town trips. Recently I was on my trip when all of a sudden a voice shouted at me saying "WATCH OUT!!!!"..... there's road construction ahead. This startled me so bad that I swerved on the road. And it continued to happen to me all through the trip but I never got used to it it still scared the **** out of me. I would like to strongly recommend a change in this voice command to a very calmly statement that says " warning...... road construction ahead" if you cannot do this please let me know so that I can change back to my Google Maps.
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Ernest Bastien commented
Less stress
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Kerri commented
Please stop using the “watch out!” Notification. It’s startling. Maybe suggest “caution” or “heads up”
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Linda Holmes commented
WTch out scares me. Might make an over correction.
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Kyrylo Zaluga commented
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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.