Hi, I'm a volunteer firefighter in CT, and I'd like to suggest a feature that could improve both public safety and traffic manage
Hi,
I'm a volunteer firefighter in Guilford, CT, and I'd like to suggest a feature that could improve both public safety and traffic management.
As first responders, we frequently close roads or lanes due to motor vehicle accidents, fires, downed trees, and other hazards. Currently, Waze allows users to report road closures, but only at intersections. Many incidents occur between intersections, making it impossible to accurately report the actual closure location.
I propose a "Verified First Responder" reporting feature. Using an existing verification service such as ID.me, Waze could grant verified responders access to additional reporting options, including:
• Road Closed
• Lane Closed
• Emergency Scene
These reports could be pinned to an exact GPS location rather than an intersection and could carry greater weight in Waze's routing logic, allowing the app to alert drivers and reroute traffic sooner.
I recently responded to a motorcycle accident on a narrow, winding road where emergency vehicles completely blocked passage. Traffic continued arriving because there was no practical way to report the closure in Waze. I've encountered similar situations during major crashes on Route 1 and during storm-related tree removals.
Reducing traffic around active emergency scenes improves safety for both the public and first responders. Roadway incidents remain one of the leading causes of first responder fatalities, and a feature like this could help keep unnecessary traffic away from dangerous scenes.