Copping with Traffic

The reports are out and once again the Metropolitan Washington DC area has rated as on of the worst areas for traffic. Considering just Fairfax County has over 1 million people there is no surprise the roads get a bit congested as we all try to get to and from work, school, shopping and visiting. Rush hour is not known for going very fast. BUT if you are prepared you can get around relatively easily. Most employers who can have flexible schedules so you can avoid the ‘rush’ and even have a life outside of working and commuting. Whether you have this option or not there are ways of getting around some congested areas or avoiding backups from accidents and who knows what else.

Radio

• WTOP News radio has traffic reports on the ‘8’ as well as information on their website

Cell phone options – (best to have your navigator handle some of this for you)

• 511 SEND free traffic updates
• Tellme - call 1-800-555-TELL (8355), and say, "Driving directions."
• Google Mobile - text GOOGLE (466453), enter your starting address, then to, then your destination, and get free directions via text messaging.

Internet

• Traffic.com
• MapQuest
• Google traffic maps - Google maps can be downloaded to your phone or PDA. Having it on my PDA makes it very easy to check where there is congestion on the way to my car.
• Map My Run - Hey if you can map out a good run you can possibly map out a back road route to the office.

Public Transportation

Of course if you can there is always public transportation. It may not be the best in the world but the Metro trains and buses can get you most places you want to go.