According to a poll conducted by ABC in 2005, 90 percent of Americans drive a car as their primary means of transportation. Additionally, the poll found that American drivers spend about 90 minutes a day behind the wheel on average. Heavy traffic lengthens the amount of time spent driving by an extra 15 minutes on average. Knowing how to check your local traffic conditions may save you a lot of time on the road.
Use the NAVTEQ traffic website. Typing in your starting location and the ending location provides a map with a color code indicating which roads are "free flowing, sluggish, slow/stopped or closed." Setting up a free account allows you to sign up for traffic alerts sent to your mobile phone as well.
Call 511. The road information hot-line allows you to check traffic conditions, road closures, trip travel times, and locations of construction areas. According to the 511 website, the information is updated every few minutes.
Check your local Department of Transportation website. Every state in the U.S. has its own Department of Transportation. The website for your particular state should have traffic conditions, weather conditions and other road information that makes the drive easier.
