I was wondering what you use to check traffic? I use Google maps and Road Now on my laptop and a couple of maps on my phone.Planning our summer trip and, for example, I periodically check the traffic around Forrest City, Arkansas. There are reported traffic delays in a construction zone there.But occasionally when I check there are no traffic delays (the highway is "green") and at other times it shows that there are very slow delays. About an hour ago it showed a "yellow" strip and now it shows no delays.I always wonder where these traffic sites get their info from. Does anyone know? Just wondering...

I usually google "LA traffic" or whatever city I may find myself in.

We don't. But if we know we're coming into an area of major traffic, we try not to come through during typical high traffic volume times. Of course, in some areas those opportunity windows are getting smaller and smaller.

Here's one way Google Receives Traffic Information.They probably also get info from various State and Local Highway Departments.

One primary data source is the state DOTs. They have road sensors and cameras to measure flow, mainly on interstates in urban areas. I assume the data that Google shows is collected from those DOTs. DOTs are also primary sources for information on construction projects. Sometimes their info is live. In other cases it is just seasonal.

What do you use to check traffic? | Good Sam Community

29 Replies

ford_truck_guy
Nomad
Jun 06, 2014
JoeTampa wrote:
Waze is a good app as well.

I too use Waze,,,, Its real time ... It also tells you other things , debris on road , police , accidents...
Martyn
Nomad
Jun 06, 2014
DavisK wrote:
I use my Garmin GPS.

Same here.
DavisK
Explorer
Jun 06, 2014
I use my Garmin GPS.
guidry
Explorer II
Jun 06, 2014
Droid app, "Beat the traffic"
paulj
Explorer II
Jun 06, 2014
One primary data source is the state DOTs. They have road sensors and cameras to measure flow, mainly on interstates in urban areas. I assume the data that Google shows is collected from those DOTs.

DOTs are also primary sources for information on construction projects. Sometimes their info is live. In other cases it is just seasonal.
gbopp
Explorer
Jun 06, 2014
Here's one way Google Receives Traffic Information.

They probably also get info from various State and Local Highway Departments.
korbe
Explorer
Jun 06, 2014
We don't. But if we know we're coming into an area of major traffic, we try not to come through during typical high traffic volume times. Of course, in some areas those opportunity windows are getting smaller and smaller.
JoeTampa
Explorer
Jun 06, 2014
Waze is a good app as well.
2oldman
Explorer II
Jun 06, 2014
I usually google "LA traffic" or whatever city I may find myself in.

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What do you use to check traffic?

29 Replies

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