TRAFFIC APP: DOT Brings Driving Alerts To Your Phone

The Iowa DOT is using something new to warn drivers of upcoming traffic snarls.

“A demographic that we haven’t been able to reach is the younger groups, so we’re trying to make the information more in line with how they get their information,” explains Sinclair Stolle with the DOT.

Information currently made available by calling 511 is now available in a smart phone app.

The app will provide information from the DOT about road projects, detours, and road sign alerts in your area. It allows users to zoom in on maps with current traffic still images from six metro areas in Iowa.

Despite the new technology the DOT does not want drivers reading their phone while driving.

Stolle says “we do not promote using mobile apps…whether it’s 511 or any app while you are driving. The reason that we’re putting the information out there is to promote ‘know before you go.’ Check it before you go or have a passenger check it.”

This fall the DOT hopes to add real-time traffic incidents or accidents to the smart phone app.