NAVTEQ offers four traffic-dodging tips for Memorial Day travelers which include traffic dodging, going alternative places, updating traffic reports and checking mobile traffic sources.
Memorial Day marks the beginning of the summer travel season with increased traffic volumes expected. In 2009, according to the AAA, nearly 32.4 million Americans traveled over 50 miles during the long holiday weekend.* Here's how drivers can avoid anticipated traffic build-ups:
Stay on top of the traffic.
If you do end up hitting the road for the holiday weekend, you'll likely see an increase in the amount of fellow drivers, which will result in more instances of traffic congestion. This coupled with elevated gas prices means an overall increase in time and money spent for the typical driver in the United States. Make sure to check NAVTEQ Traffic.com at www.traffic.com before you leave the house to see current travel conditions and learn about any obstacles that may affect these conditions in the future.
1. Visit the NAVTEQ Traffic.com mobile website on your cell phone or PDA at http://mobi.traffic.com, the site is free, and the content can be invaluable.
2. Save 1-866-MY-TRAFC (1-866-698-7232) to a phone favorites list before leaving home. This free hotline provides speed dial access to NAVTEQ Traffic.com--ideal for avoiding heavy traffic, construction, and accidents on your long weekend trip.
3. Send a SMS text message to get real-time traffic information for city hotspots. Simply text your CITY CODE, (NY, CHIC, PHL, LA, etc.) to TRAFC (87232). City codes can be found at http://bhelp.traffic.com/city-codes-used-for-sms.
Shift your schedule.
The worst holiday traffic is on Friday and Monday evenings, as travelers
seek to stretch their vacation time during the long weekend. If
possible, shift your schedule by driving on a different day. Consider
leaving on Saturday morning and/or coming back Monday morning. The more
time you spend in traffic, the less time you have to enjoy your holiday
weekend.
Plan a big city vacation.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Americans will
pay an average of 48 cents a gallon more for gasoline this summer than
in 2009. If you don't like crowds on the roads, or high gas prices, then
consider using Memorial Day for your next big city vacation. Take mass
transportation, and once you're in the city, it will be easier to get a
table at the hot restaurants and tickets for the new show.
Consider an alternate route. Sometimes the simplest way to
avoid traffic is by taking an alternative route. Let www.traffic.com
help you find the Fastest Drive to your Memorial Day destination based
on current traffic conditions.
"Summertime is road-trip time and
Memorial Day weekend starts it off for millions of American drivers,"
says Volkmar Knaup, vice president, NAVTEQ. "Whether heading to the
beach or local festivities, www.traffic.com can free drivers from
holiday traffic hassles."