Traffic: Online and On the Line
Whether you’re plugged in or going wireless, there are traffic resources at your fingertips.
For those who want to know conditions before they hit the road, the Internet offers numerous traffic-related sites. Here are a few of the most helpful and user-friendly:
* Caltrans’ site at https://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo lets users enter a freeway number to find out whether there are any problems restricting travel. The agency’s site also offers links (at https://www.dot.ca.gov/onroad.htm) for information on traffic incidents and weather, freeway speed maps and help calculating the distance between locations.
* The California Highway Patrol offers real-time traffic incident information from throughout the state at https://cad.chp.ca.gov. The site also has a glossary explaining CHP abbreviations and codes.
* To take a look at how fast--or slowly--traffic is moving, click on https://traffic.maxwell.com/la/index.html. Cambridge, Mass.-based SmartRoute Systems translates information provided by Caltrans sensors into a color-coded map. (SmartRoute provides real-time traffic for The Times’ Web site.) Coverage extends from parts of Ventura County to the Mexican border, with plans to add San Bernardino and Riverside counties within the next year, said Joe Masso, business development manager.
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For those who prefer to be unplugged, some wireless carriers also offer traffic-related services. AT&T; Wireless, for example, offers *JAM and *FIND, which allow users to get personalized traffic reports and directions from an actual person at Metro Traffic. Metro representatives say they get about 1,500 calls a week. AirTouch Communications used to offer a similar service but canceled it because of lack of subscriber interest, according to representative Melissa May.
However, AirTouch does have a tipster line, *9, allowing drivers to phone in traffic problems as they happen. But don’t expect to get a personalized traffic report.
By the way, if you decide to phone in traffic problems, here’s something to remember: Try not to transfer unexpressed road rage to the folks on the other end of the line. They didn’t cause the problem, and in fact, they’re working to ease some of the stress of your commute.
