FDOT Drives Toward a Greener Florida
Free 511 service helps reduce emissions by reducing idling in traffic.
FL511.com - June 04, 2008
(PRNewsChannel) / Orlando, Fla. — People around the world this week are celebrating World Environment Day, Thursday, June 5, by raising awareness of the environment and enhancing political attention and action. One way the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is helping reduce emissions and keep traffic moving is by providing its free 511 Traffic Information Service. By dialing 511 or visiting the FL511.com Web site, drivers can plan trips with up-to-the-minute roadway information to bypass congested roads and reduce idling in stop-and-go traffic.
According to the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI), each Florida driver wastes an average of 23 gallons of fuel a year due to idling in traffic jams. In addition to contributing to Florida’s air pollution, this congestion is costing Florida drivers hundreds of dollars a year. According to TTI’s 2005 Urban Mobility report, Florida’s three most congested cities were ranked among the nation at:
• Orlando: First in Florida – Ninth in the nation costing peak travelers $983 per year
• Miami: Second in Florida – 16th in the nation costing peak travelers $903 per year
• Tampa: Third in Florida – 24th in the nation costing peak travelers $809 per year
The national average cost of congestion for peak travelers is $710 per year. TTI defines peak travelers as those who travel between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. and between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The free statewide 511 service has assisted more than 21 million callers to date with information on all interstate highways throughout the state and Florida’s Turnpike, plus many major roadways in Florida’s most congested cities.
“When you can reduce congestion, obviously you’re doing something positive for the environment,” said Gregg Laskoski, public and government relations managing director of AAA Auto Club South. “Florida’s 511 informs drivers of congested roadways so they are aware of potential problem areas and can make alternate driving plans. That means they’re going to be spending less time sitting bumper-to-bumper because they’re getting from point A to point B much more efficiently.”
The free 511 service is available from a landline or cell phone, however cell phone minutes may apply. Users can also visit www.FL511.com for roadway information.
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 to 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.
Green Driving Tips
1. Plan ahead and consolidate trips.
2. Carpool or use alternative travel methods such as public transportation, bicycling or walking.
3. Obey speed limits.
4. Accelerate smoothly to prevent unburned gas from escaping from the exhaust pipe into the atmosphere.
5. Maintain a steady speed.
6. Keep tires properly inflated.
7. Remove unnecessary weight such as extra items in the trunk of the car.
This press release was issued by PRNewschannel.com. For more information, please visit https://prnewschannel.com.
Source Web Site: FL511.com
