The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is expanding its use of Twitter to help Ohio drivers have a "Worry Free Rush Hour" — by providing information about major traffic delays before motorists hit the road each weekday morning and afternoon.
Followers of ODOT's Twitter feeds will receive rush hour updates when highway traffic is slowed by new construction activities or major traffic incidents — the type that might close more than one lane of traffic for a significant amount of time.
"Social networking websites such as Twitter are becoming a very useful tool in sharing information, especially among our younger populations," said ODOT Director Jolene M. Molitoris. "Having this type of information before you get behind the wheel gives you the opportunity to plan ahead — to know before you go — which ultimately helps all of us get to our destinations safer."
ODOT will send out "tweets" — the bite-sized instant information offered on Twitter — on traffic conditions that impact interstates and highways in Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Toledo.
ODOT's expanded use of the widely-popular free Twitter website builds upon the success of the department's pilot effort this past winter. In December 2009, ODOT initiated its first social networking effort to provide real time winter weather information and updates on ODOT's snowplowing efforts to keep highways safe and passable.
To date, ODOT has more than 6,500 Twitter followers in all six of the state's major metropolitan areas.
Ohio joins a growing number of states using Twitter to offer updates on roadway conditions before motorists take to the highways. ODOT strongly discourages motorists from attempting to read these messages while operating a motor vehicle.
Every tweet includes the same 11-character beginning "KNO B4 U GO" as a reminder to drivers that this information is meant to be read before they leave home, work, or school.
To receive ODOT's "Worry Free Rush Hour" tweets, simply log on to www.BuckeyeTraffic.org/Twitter and follow the specific Twitter feed for your city or destination.
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