By Emily Lawson
The Herald Bulletin
The Indiana Department of Transportation has jumped on the technological bandwagon alongside the states of Tennessee and Michigan, among others.
Motorists’ worries can now be put at ease thanks to the new Web site INDOT launched, www.TrafficWise.in.gov.
The site is an innovative map of the state, showing current reports — including current road conditions — as well as future reports.
Site users can search Interstate 69 into Madison County to see camera views of the interstate.
It is continuously updated, giving travelers the latest in traffic happenings, including closures, road construction, and crashes.
“Every time something happens, it’s updated. So it’s only as good as the people that are doing it,” said Harry Maginity, INDOT’s public information officer for east central Indiana.
Future events such as road closings, restrictions, and construction can be entered in the system as a calendar symbol beforehand. Once the time comes, the system automatically switches the calendar symbol to the icon that corresponds with the traffic condition.
INDOT launched the site just before the Thanksgiving holiday. According to Maginity, the timely launch wasn’t an accident.
“We were trying to get this done before Thanksgiving. (We) started working on it in late winter. We tested it out first in the Greenfield district, then we got it to the point of going statewide. It’s a third or fourth generation software, but it still has some kinks that we need to work out.”
But INDOT isn’t stopping with the Web site. Maginity says Indiana motorists can expect another technological advance.
“This (the site) is the first step of a communications program. Right now it’s completely Web-based. Later on you’re going to be able to dial a number on your cell phone and receive the information that way — it’s a 1,2 launch. Eventually we’ll set something up for land-line phones.”
Winter driving tips
The winter season is quickly approaching and traveling is more dangerous than ever. It’s important to be cautious and keep safe while on the road. Public Information Director of East Central Indiana Harry Maginity advises:
* Have a survival kit. Just in case of an accident. It should include, at the very least, a blanket, a flashlight, and some water and power bars — something to keep you going for at least a day.
* Make sure your car is functioning well and “ready to go.” Check to make sure your windshield wipers are operative, your brakes, etc.
* Plan accordingly. Make sure to allow plenty of time for your trip — snow and ice slow you down. Also, be patient with the snow plows and give them plenty of room.
