PALO ALTO, Calif May 26, 2013; The traffic experts at Waze today released their analysis of 2013 Memorial Weekend traffic conditions based upon driving patterns of their 12 million-U.S.-driver community. The results: road trips rule! While the number of cars on America's roads increased 7.5-12% compared to the previous three weekends, there were no significant increases in the number of accidents or road hazards reported – suggesting drivers are taking things slow and safe.
“The assistance of a voice-activated driving companion like Waze means both eyes remain on the road and the likelihood of driving in bumper to bumper traffic decreases – two significant contributors to accidents.”
By the Numbers
Memorial Weekend 2013, nationally:
- Weekend getaways and day trips are tops: Number of cars on road increased 7.5% with a high of 12% on Sunday compared to a non-holiday weekend
- Saturday was made for the long haul: Longest routes found on Saturday, at an average of 15-20% longer in both distance and time spent in car than a non-holiday weekend
- No measureable increase in accidents on the national average
Memorial Weekend 2012, nationally:
- Number of cars on road increased 20% compared to a non-holiday weekend
- Average route drive time and length increased 20% compared to a non-holiday weekend
- Saturday accident rate: 34% higher than a non-holiday
Waze also saw the highest number of police reported in recent history on Friday, May 24.
"Drivers still enjoy a good American road trip, but they're doing so more cautiously and with greater flexibility in their planned departure times," said Julie Anne Mossler, spokeswoman, Waze. "The assistance of a voice-activated driving companion like Waze means both eyes remain on the road and the likelihood of driving in bumper to bumper traffic decreases; two significant contributors to accidents."
Other fun facts:
Official Memorial Weekend Road Warriors
2013:
Those
who drove the furthest compared to activity on a normal
weekend
Atlanta
Detroit
Miami
Memorial Weekend Staycationers:
Cities whose traffic,
drive time and drive patterns did not change from non-holiday weekend
to
Memorial Weekend – drivers stayed
local
Tampa
Los Angeles
Dallas
State of Waze:
The state with the greatest increase in
new Wazers over Memorial Weekend
Florida
Waze is the trusted driving companion for every day and every route. Drivers passively contribute real-time data to the map just by driving with the Waze app open on their phone. The app then automatically reroutes other cars around accidents and heavy congestion. Waze can be used entirely hands-free, and provides low gas price alerts, relevant saving from favorite brands and more. To download Waze for iOS or Android, visit http://www.waze.com.
About Waze
Waze is the social navigation pioneer, leveraging mobile technology, big data and a passionate global community to redefine expectations of today’s maps. Waze is home to the world’s largest network of drivers who work together daily to outsmart traffic and save time and money. The app consistently recommends the fastest routes based on real-time driving and data from 47 million users. From traffic reroutes to low gas price alerts and relevant offers from favorite brands, Waze is one of the most comprehensive driving companions in the marketplace. To download the free Waze app for iOS or Android, visit http://www.waze.com.
