NAVTEQ Traffic.com Offers Tips for Avoiding Memorial Day Traffic

Save time, money and frustration with free traffic alerts and updates this holiday weekend

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May 10, 2010, 09:00 ET

CHICAGO, May 10 /PRNewswire/ -- NAVTEQ, the leading global provider of maps, traffic and location data enabling navigation, location-based services and mobile advertising around the world, has four traffic-dodging tips for Memorial Day travelers.

Memorial Day marks the beginning of the summer travel season with increased traffic volumes expected. In 2009, according to the AAA, nearly 32.4 million Americans traveled over 50 miles during the long holiday weekend.* Here's how drivers can avoid anticipated traffic build-ups in 2010:

Shift your schedule.

The worst holiday traffic is on Friday and Monday evenings, as travelers seek to stretch their vacation time during the long weekend. If possible, shift your schedule by driving on a different day. Consider leaving on Saturday morning and/or coming back Monday morning. The more time you spend in traffic, the less time you have to enjoy your holiday weekend.

Plan a big city vacation.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration**, Americans will pay an average of 48 cents a gallon more for gasoline this summer than in 2009. If you don't like crowds on the roads, or high gas prices, then consider using Memorial Day for your next big city vacation. Take mass transportation, and once you're in the city, it will be easier to get a table at the hot restaurants and tickets for the new show.

Stay on top of the traffic.

If you do end up hitting the road for the holiday weekend, you'll likely see an increase in the amount of fellow drivers, which will result in more instances of traffic congestion. This coupled with elevated gas prices means an overall increase in time and money spent for the typical driver in the United States. Make sure to check NAVTEQ Traffic.com® at www.traffic.com before you leave the house to see current travel conditions and learn about any obstacles that may affect these conditions in the future. Here are three time saving tips that will help you along the way:

Visit the NAVTEQ Traffic.com mobile website on your cell phone or PDA at http://mobi.traffic.com, the site is free, and the content can be invaluable.
Save 1-866-MY-TRAFC (1-866-698-7232) to a phone favorites list before leaving home. This free hotline provides speed dial access to NAVTEQ Traffic.com—ideal for avoiding heavy traffic, construction, and accidents on your long weekend trip.
Send a SMS text message to get real-time traffic information for city hotspots. Simply text your CITY CODE, (NY, CHIC, PHL, LA, etc.) to TRAFC (87232). City codes can be found at http://bhelp.traffic.com/city-codes-used-for-sms.

Consider an alternate route.

Sometimes the simplest way to avoid traffic is by taking an alternative route. Let www.traffic.com help you find the Fastest Drive to your Memorial Day destination based on current traffic conditions.

"Summertime is road-trip time and Memorial Day weekend starts it off for millions of American drivers," says Volkmar Knaup, vice president, NAVTEQ. "Whether heading to the beach or local festivities, www.traffic.com can free drivers from holiday traffic hassles."

*Source: http://www.aaanewsroom.net/Main/Default.asp?CategoryID=8&ArticleID=684

**Source: http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/steo/pub/

About NAVTEQ

NAVTEQ is the leading global provider of maps, traffic and location data (digital location content) enabling navigation, location-based services and mobile advertising around the world. NAVTEQ supplies comprehensive digital location content to power automotive navigation systems, portable and wireless devices, Internet-based mapping applications and government and business solutions. The Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and has approximately 4600 employees located in 203 offices in 45 countries.

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SOURCE NAVTEQ