Waze is more likely to use what transport engineers call "Rat runs" Diverting you via side streets and alternatives to highways when the major roads show conge

Waze is more likely to use what transport engineers call "Rat runs" Diverting you via side streets and alternatives to highways when the major roads show congestion, roadworks or other issues. Google maps tends to prefer freeways/highways above all other options and its often a fight to get it to take an alternative, You have to toggle the 'avoid freeways' and then even sometimes enter waypoints to guarantee bypassing the motorway.