Cameras warn Virginia drivers of traffic jams

By: Drivers.com staff

Date: Friday, 25. August 2006

Virginia is one of the more progressive highway authorities now putting real-time video pictures of highway traffic on the Internet to help drivers plan their routes and avoid congestion.

If anything has emerged from the 2000 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, it's the increasing importance of information technology to the driver. Today's cars are coming equipped with global navigation systems and Internet access, either as options or standard equipment, and it's obvious the ability to handle this technology will soon be a required part of the business of learning to drive.

It's possible, in fact, that drivers setting out on a trip may soon be consulting the Internet on the best route to take much as airplane pilots plan their flight prior to takeoff.

The Virginia highway surveillance cameras, accessible through TrafficLand.com, were put on the Internet early this month by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and EyeCast to provide drivers with up-to-the-minute images from VDOT's traffic cameras on Northern Virginia interstate system.

"This new service gives drivers more control over their commutes," said VDOT's Northern Virginia District Administrator Tom Farley. "It's part of VDOT's commitment to use smart technology to manage congestion."

"This is a powerful, interactive tool that allows users to leverage the power of the web to access real-time traffic and commute information," said Shaun Amini, CEO of EyeCast.com, Inc. "This is only one application of EyeCast's versatile surveillance and monitoring technology, and we hope to expand this service to other areas soon."

Internet users now have free access to 64 cameras located on interstates 66, 95, 395, and 495.

The images are updated every 60 seconds. Soon, drivers will be able to access all 110 VDOT cameras covering more than 80 miles of interstate roads. VDOT and EyeCast formed the partnership to offer area commuters both free and subscription services.

Drivers also have the option to sign up for a personalized tool that allows commuters to save up to three different commute routes for easy reference. Users may choose their primary commute route, an alternate route and a route that might include the day care center or supermarket. Additional subscription services available in the future will include updates by pager, driving tips, and licence renewal reminders.

Undoubtedly, an increasing number of highway authorities will be posting similar information. In addition, drivers across the U.S. can obtain national road-closure and traffic information, including weather, on the Federal Highway Administration web site.