Waze navigation feature allows drivers to avoid difficult intersections

Waze offers a specific setting designed to prioritize driver safety and reduce stress by avoiding hazardous road segments. The “Avoid difficult intersections” feature modifies the app’s routing algorithm to bypass intersections known for poor visibility, complex multi-lane left turns, or high accident risks.

While standard navigation algorithms typically prioritize the shortest physical distance or the fastest time, this setting directs the app to favor intersections with dedicated traffic lights and better infrastructure, even if it adds several minutes to the total trip. The feature relies on hyper-local data provided by Waze Map community editors, who manually mark problematic areas based on real-world experiences with missing signs, dangerous turns, and frequent incidents.

To enable this feature, users can navigate to the Waze menu, select “Settings,” go to the “Navigation” category, and toggle the “Avoid difficult intersections” switch.