Traffic schmaffic: Waze is making it easier for drivers to avoid difficult, stressful intersections.

A new feature, available first in Los Angeles (because LA drivers "know the feeling"), bypasses complicated junctions—those with no traffic light, a constant flow of cars, or limited visibility.

"Turning left or going straight becomes a stressful scenario that requires crossing multiple lanes of oncoming traffic," Waze said in a blog post. "The situation is significantly worse when traffic peaks at rush hour, making it tense and often very difficult to cross or turn."

By default, the app will calculate the best itinerary for an efficient ETA with as few difficult intersections as possible. Unless, of course, the bypassing route is significantly longer, in which case you'll just have to suck it up and hope for a break in traffic.

"The goal of the feature is to reduce the amount of these intersections, not completely eliminate them," Waze said.

Automatically enabled for LA-based drivers, the Difficult Intersection function can be turned off in the app's settings.

Waze intends to expand its new feature to New Orleans "soon"; it will roll out globally "as needs are identified" by the community.

The company worked with the City of Los Angeles, as well as its local map editor and employee community, who pointed out troublesome spots and provided alternatives.

"If there is a difficult intersection you think needs attention, let us know," Waze urged. Users can suggest problematic areas in the app via Report > Map Issue.

For more, see PCMag's reviews of Waze for iPhone and Android.