This holiday season the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) reminds drivers to call its free 511 system for roadway information to avoid traffic and get to their destination safer. The free 511 phone number and FL511.com Web site feature real-time roadway information on all of Florida’s interstates and Florida’s Turnpike. Holiday travelers can save time and money by planning trips ahead of time and registering personalized travel and alternate routes for free on the 511 Web site.   The statewide Web site allows users to create up to 10 personalized travel routes they can then access immediately when calling 511 to hear roadway updates. The system lets users create custom names, such as “Home” and “Back Up Home”, so with one voice prompt, callers can get information on their entire route.  The 511 system uses simple Caller ID technology to recognize the caller and provides the option to hear traffic details for the programmed trips first. If there is an incident on one road, drivers can change routes before getting caught in congestion. The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section at www.FL511.com provides detailed instructions and useful tips for successfully using the customizable routes feature.   511 is also the easy, three-digit phone number for Florida’s airports and seaports. Travelers flying out of the state can call 511 and transfer to their regional airport to hear flight information for free. The time-saving system is a free resource from FDOT that helps manage congestion, reduce emissions and increase safety on all interstate highways, many major metropolitan roadways and Florida’s Turnpike. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), knowing of congestion or delays can help prevent crashes. “Traffic congestion can lead to crashes, which can lead to even more congestion,” said FHP Lt. Col. Ernesto Duarte. “If drivers can use 511 to plan a better route, everyone wins.” AAA Auto Club South encourages drivers to make travel preparations ahead of time. “It’s a long weekend this year for Christmas and for that reason we expect a lot of driving and congestion well in advance of Christmas Eve,” said Gregg Laskoski, Managing Director, Public & Government Relations for AAA Auto Club South. “So that is why people should call 511 before getting in their car so, they can know exactly what lies ahead.” Calls to 511 are free, however cell phone minute charges may apply.  Safety Tips

1. Call 511 before you hit the road, at a rest area or have a passenger call to avoid talking while driving.
2. Call 511 before you enter a new roadway to hear current road conditions.
3. Customize your trip before you leave home at www.FL511.com to minimize time spent on the phone.
4. In low visibility, drive slowly and keep your low beam headlights on.
5. If your windshield wipers are on, your headlights should be on, too.
6. Always wear your safety belt.
7. Don’t drink and drive!

 511 Tips

1. Speak as clearly as possible and minimize any background noise – including radios and open windows.
2. Say “other parts of the state” to transfer among Florida’s regional 511 services.
3. Say “help” for instructions.
4. Say “next,” “previous,” “stop” or “repeat” to navigate through the phone menus more quickly.
5. Say “main menu” at any time to start over.
6. Say “feedback” to report congestion not already mentioned on 511.
7. Interrupt 511 at any time if you already know your selection.  

 FDOT’s Statewide 511Since The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) launched the first 511 system in Florida in 2002, Florida’s 511 systems have received more than 25 million calls from travelers seeking information ranging from commuter travel times to lane closures and severe weather affecting traffic.  In 2009, FDOT will combine the regional 511 systems into one, seamless Statewide 511 system to better serve Florida travelers. Florida is a national leader in providing up-to-date travel information to drivers through the free 511 Travel Information System. The statewide network draws on hundreds of CCTV traffic surveillance cameras, countless road sensors and other traffic information gathering tools to gather traffic data. FDOT provided the free 511 Travel Information System to reduce congestion and keep residents and visitors safe on Florida’s roads.