511 Traffic Systems

Background

The U.S. Department of Transportation, with the approval of the Federal Communications Commission, developed the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) to increase the traffic efficiency and safety on the nation's roadways.

The ITS gathers information about almost everything that can impair the ability of motorists to arrive at their destination safely and smoothly, such as detours, accidents, road closures, poor weather conditions, and dangerous roadway surfaces.

511 Plan

The master plan was to have a national system in which individuals throughout the country could simply dial 511 on their cell or landline phones and access this information. However, like many plans, this one has been slow to unfold, and much of the country is still waiting to have the service activated in their state.

The service is free, and the information you receive by calling 511 is much more detailed than you'd get from a local television or radio traffic report.

Motorists can employ the service while traveling through states that deploy it. Some states, including Florida, also have Web sites which allow you to review the information online.

Florida 511

To access the Florida system, just dial 511 from a landline or cell phone at any time. You'll receive up-to-date information about traffic conditions in your local area, or in other parts of the Sunshine State. Orlando airport information is also available. Simply follow the voice instructions to obtain the information you need.

Be sure to visit the state's 511 site, too. While there, you can view travel times between destinations, camera shots of roadway conditions, and maps highlighting construction zones, accidents, lane closures, and congestion.

The state provides a helpful frequently asked questions section for new users.