511 - Save Time & Stay Safer On The Road

As you make your plans for that great vacation escape or business trip keep up to date on Road Conditions by dialing 511.

Today, 32 state and regional 511 systems serve drivers in 27 states. Nationwide expansion plans are designed to give drivers calling 511 access to real-time traffic updates coast-to-coast by 2012. Depending on your location, you will be connected to the 511 service in the region or state in which you are traveling. We notice the service offered in several states on our route from Indiana to Florida.

Be Aware Before You Get There

In Florida, regardless of your area code or point of origin you can connect to the Florida system just moments after crossing the state line. The Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) 511 service provides travelers detailed, real-time information on traffic conditions and construction updates. We utilized the 511 service during our trip to find out more on the severe weather alerts about the recent fires across the state affecting all of Florida’s interstate highways and Florida’s Turnpike.

The phone system uses voice-recognition so callers simply ask for the roadway for which they want information, followed by a city or county name that is near that roadway. For example, if a caller would like information on I-95 in the Daytona Beach area, they would say “I-95,” then “Daytona Beach” to get information on the segment of I-95 that includes Daytona Beach.

The 511 system gathers and relays information from a sophisticated network of roadside sensors, cameras, weather stations and Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) incident reports from all over the state. That information is processed at FDOT’s Regional Traffic Management Center in Orlando and then provided to the 511 phone system and www.FL511.com.

Reducing The Stress Of Driving

AAA promotes the use of 511 to its members. “Tourists and residents alike appreciate that they can better anticipate travel times to their destinations,” said Kevin Bakewell, senior vice president, AAA Auto Club South. “Just having that information helps reduce the stress of driving.”

The intelligent 511 system recognizes a caller’s location and connects them to the service in their immediate area. Dial FDOT’s free 511 via your cell phone or access Travel Information Service online at www.FL511.com, and at Florida’s Wi-Fi equipped rest areas, to check out conditions along your planned route.

Have A Safe Trip!

Melody Schubert is Managing Editor of USA Travel Magazine where you can Explore America’s Backyard. Visit: http://www.usatravelmagazine.com to access USA Travel Magazine’s FREE Print Editions featuring unique destinations.