Disabling a Google Maps setting can shorten driving routes

Tweaking a single setting in Google Maps' navigation options can cut unnecessary detours and shave time off some trips, according to a review of the app's route preferences. Google Maps draws on traffic conditions, road data and alternative routes when recommending driving directions, but it also factors in user-selected preferences that can steer drivers away from shorter paths. Disabling certain defaults can prevent the app from filtering out faster options in specific situations, saving drivers up to tens of minutes on some journeys. To access the setting, users open Google Maps, go to Settings, then Navigation settings, and enter the "route options" section. From there, the options that determine which roads the app prefers by default can be reviewed, and any considered unnecessary can be switched off. The review did not specify which exact preference produces the largest time savings, and Google has not commented on the findings. No further details were immediately available.