Check Traffic

Traffic can be a headache when commuting to work, traveling long distances, or driving in congested areas. Knowing which routes to take ahead of time and being aware of accidents and road closures can save you considerable time and frustration. Using an app like Google Maps, calling your state's 511 service, or checking local radio stations can all be helpful ways to inform yourself about traffic conditions.

Steps

Checking Traffic with Google Maps

1. Open Google Maps on your device. If you are using a computer with a web browser, go to http://maps.google.com. If you are using a phone or tablet, open the Google Maps app. You can download the app for free from your device's app store if you don't have it already, even if you don't have a Google account.
   • On your phone, the Google Maps icon will mostly appear as a little section of map with a dark pink bubble and a lowercase “g.”
2. Type in your destination. There should be an empty field at the top of the map where you can enter the address of where you want to go.
   • To save time in the future, you may want to save your home and work addresses for easy access. You can do this by entering “Home” in the destination field and selecting “Home” from the options that appear below. Google will then prompt you to designate an address as Home. You can follow the same steps with “Work.”
3. Click “Directions” and enter your starting point. Once you have filled in your destination, a “Directions” buttons should appear. After you click this button, another field should pop up where you can enter the address of your starting location. If you have turned on Location Services, your device may have already auto-filled your starting location.
4. Select “Menu” if you are using the Google Maps website. This button will look like three horizontal lines in the upper left corner of the page. When you hover the mouse over it, the word “Menu” should appear.
   • If you don't see a “Menu” button, look for a “Map” icon in the upper right corner of the map itself.
5. Tap “Layers” if you are using an app. This button will look like two stacked diamonds in a circle and should appear in the upper right corner of the map under the destination field.
6. Select “Traffic.” After you click “Menu” or “Layers,” a set of options will appear, such as Transit, Traffic, Satellite, Terrain, and Biking. Once you select “Traffic,” the map will color all major roadways in either red, green or orange. Green indicates light traffic, orange is moderate, and red is heavy.
   • You will also see small icons on certain sections of road, which indicate different reasons for traffic congestion such as road closures, construction, and accidents.
7. Choose the route that Google marks as the fastest. You may see 2 or 3 routes outlined, and when you click or tap on each one, it should say the travel time for that route. Google will also often label the fastest route for you so you don't have to compare.

Calling 511 for Traffic Information

1. Check to see if your state has a 511 service. 511 is a free traffic information hotline program that has been adopted by around 35 states. If your state is one of them, you can call 511 from your phone to get traffic reports concerning your state and region. Find a full list of participating states here: https://www.dmv.org/travel/511.php.
2. Dial 511 on your phone. Don't dial 1 first or enter an area code. You should be connected promptly with an automated message that will guide you through a series of choices with voice-activated and touch-tone options.
3. Say the number of the route you want to check on. For instance, if you want to know the traffic conditions on I-90 West, say “90.” You may then be asked to choose either Westbound or Eastbound.
4. Choose which area of the route you want information about. You will most likely be asked to choose between a few different sections of the route you chose. Listen to the options and choose the one closest to where you will be driving. You should then get a full report of traffic current conditions for that area based on traffic cameras, pavement sensors, and patrol crews.
   • The report should include any conditions that would affect traffic, such as accidents, road closures, or weather events. It may also list current travel times between common destinations.

Listening to Traffic Reports on the Radio

1. Check your state's DOT website for traffic radio stations. Your state's Department of Transportation may have a designated traffic station that gives constant real-time reports. This can also be helpful if you are driving long distances on the highway, in which case you can also look for roadside signs posting the local traffic station.
   • Some DOT websites also have apps and online resources for checking traffic in real-time.
2. Call or look online to see if your local radio stations do traffic reports. If you have a favorite radio station that has local news and weather, it is very likely that they also broadcast traffic reports at specific times in the day. Call in to the radio station or check their website to see when these reports are aired. Daily traffic reports should be able to tell you what the current traffic conditions are based on traffic cameras, sensors, and freeway incident response teams.
   • Some radio stations include traffic reports with their daily news broadcasts.
3. Decide on 2 or 3 choices of routes before you tune in. Check a map and find a few alternatives to your usual route in case traffic is particularly heavy. That way, you will be able to choose which route to take quickly once you hear the traffic report.
4. Make sure your radio is tuned to the right station and tune in at the correct time. Double check that your radio is on the correct station and that it is turned to AM or FM as necessary. If you are listening to a traffic-only station, you can tune it at any time. If you are waiting for a specific traffic report, make sure you know when it airs so you can turn your radio on at the right time. But preferably, you should set the radio right before starting your journey, so you don't have to essentially get distracted while driving, as preventing accidents is the main priority.

Tips

• Google Maps also has a feature on their website that allows you to select a departure time for your traffic check. If you select a future departure time, it will show you what the traffic is likely to be based on past conditions.
• You can get traffic alerts on your phone by enabling notifications from Google Maps. You can do this by going into the app's menu and selecting “Settings,” then turning on any notifications you want to receive, including updates on accidents and road closures in your area.
• Google also makes a traffic-tracking app called Waze, which allows drivers to report traffic-causing conditions in real-time.

Warnings

• Always look up traffic conditions before you begin your trip. Do not use your phone or tablet while driving.

References

See also

• Teach Someone Driving Safety
• Keep Track of Fuel Use
• Stay Alert Driving at Night
• Be a Smart Teen Driver
• Not Run Over a Squirrel
• Deal With Being Tailgated
• Avoid Congested Traffic in Las Vegas
• Study for Your Written Driver's Test
• Drive a Car (in General)
• Handle a Car Like a Professional Driver

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