Sep 2, 2009 | 2 min read

Twitter Traffic Reports Statewide in North Carolina

North Carolina drivers, check out the press release below. This is a great new service the state is offering to help motorists steer clear of traffic jams. I’m not always wild about the way the state spends my taxpayer dollars, but this is something I can use almost every day.

As an injury attorney I’m also glad to see the caution to check the service before starting out rather than while driving. Those of you who had the chance to read an earlier post on driving while texting know how deadly driver distraction can be.

Travel Information Now Available On Twitter

Citizens can access highway and ferry updates using free online tool through NCDOT

Finding out if an accident will delay your morning commute is as easy as looking at your cell phone.

The N.C. Department of Transportation now offers travel information for motorists and ferry passengers on Twitter, a free social-networking Web site.

“A quick check of Twitter can make for a quicker trip to work,” said Gov. Bev Perdue. “State government and our DOT are using 21st century technology to connect you to up-to-date travel information so you don’t start or end your day in a frustrating logjam or bottleneck.”

"North Carolina is known for effective use of cutting edge technologies," said Perdue. "Being able to check traffic conditions before you start the car can reduce congestion, frustration, and fuel consumption."

The department reminds motorists not to use mobile devices while driving. Instead, NCDOT encourages them to check the alerts before they leave home, work or school. This will not only enhance safety but also help motorists determine the best route to take.

“The goal of this high-tech initiative is to help people ‘know before you go,’” said Transportation Secretary Gene Conti. “By sending them important updates about traffic conditions and ferry delays, we can help citizens better plan for the day ahead.”

The NCDOT Twitter updates regarding highways include information about:
• Congestion;
• Accidents;
• Road or lane closures;
• Construction projects; and
• Maintenance work.

The department’s Twitter alerts about the state’s ferry system include details on:
• Schedule changes;
• Weather-related delays; and
• Ticket sales.

Citizens can get brief updates, or “tweets,” for 16 different routes or regions of the state. To see all the Twitter options NCDOT offers, they can go to www.ncdot.gov/travel/twitter/. There, they also will find information on how to sign up for a Twitter account. Doing so allows users to receive tweets on mobile devices such as cell phones and PDAs.