Google Maps Adds Traffic Times to Driving Directions

Suppose you're headed across town to meet with a new client. The directions you got from MapQuest say the trip will take you about 35 minutes, so you plan accordingly. But then you get caught in traffic and end up arriving 20 minutes late -- not the kind of first impression you want to make. A new Google Maps feature can help you avoid such calamities: In addition to the usual estimated drive time, Google Maps now provides an "in traffic" guess as well. In other words, it factors in the traffic conditions for your route, thus providing a more real-world estimate.

Speaking of driving directions, another new Google Maps feature lets you create a custom route by dragging and dropping points along the blue line -- thus allowing you to see instantly if an alternate route can save you any drive time. If you're in the habit of getting your directions from MapQuest (something I'll cop to), it may be time to give Google Maps a serious look. Cool stuff! [via Google Lat Long Blog]