How to Use a Driving App on Short Roads (the Easy Way)
Let's be honest: most driving applications are designed for highways and lengthy journeys. However, while traveling narrow highways, tiny lanes, or small residential streets, they might get disorientated. Here's how to improve their effectiveness:
1. Stop depending on the "fastest route"
Most applications choose the shortest route, which often leads you to a major road — even if it's a 2-minute detour around the block. Instead:
Use the app's "Shortest distance" option (Waze calls it "Avoid highways" in options).
2. Zoom all the way in.
When traveling short roads, the app's default zoom setting is ineffective. Pinch and zoom until you can see the little street names. This helps you:
Identify one-way alleys
Avoid dead ends.
Note the narrow turn lanes.
3. Use your eyes, not just the speech.
For short routes, voice guidance is often delayed. By the time she says "turn left," you've already crossed the street. Instead:
View the next turn preview at the top of the screen. Trust your eyes rather than the sounds.
4. Mark your starting position manually.
If you're standing on a short road, the GPS dot may move about. Instead of using your present location, provide the closest cross street or small shop name. It is more correct driving directions
5. For very small roads (such as alleyways or service roads)
Most applications do not even have them. Here is the hack:
Drop a pin just where you want to go.
Then touch "Directions" on that pin.
The program will determine the nearest driveable route, even if the road does not have a name.
6. When all else fails, preview the route first.
Before you begin driving, immediately browse over the route on the screen. Search for:
arrow turns.
Hidden Stop Signs
Roads that may be unpaved or barricaded
Pro tip for daily drivers: If you take the same short roads often, the app will eventually "learn" your pattern. But really? After two or three times, just learn the route and use the app less.