Car Finance / Road-Testing Four Smartphone Traffic Apps
Getting from Point A to Point B has gotten more complicated in recent years. Crowded highways, road closures, construction projects, speed traps and road hazards now can make driving feel like running a gauntlet. And things can change so fast out of the mean streets that I check of traffic via a website on your computer before you start your commute doesn't always cut it.Fortunately, technology is keeping pace with driver needs in the form of smartphone traffic apps with features such as real-time traffic data and road-congestion prediction derived from a variety of sources. The on-demand, location specific features of these traffic apps also mean you don't have to wait to for a generic traffic report on the radio. Besides your usual cup of java, one of these traffic apps could be your new favorite companion on your morning commute.
INRIX Traffic
Grade: A
Price: Free
Pros: Forecast function selects best drive time
Cons: Route planning requires $24.99 upgrade
Compatibility: iOS devices (3.1 or later), Android, BlackBerry, Windows 7
This app is from INRIX, a well-respected provider of traffic data for various OEM and aftermarket navigation suppliers. It's based on Google Maps, so the interface should be immediately familiar. It also pulls traffic data from INRIX's massive database that's partially (and passively) sourced from the app's users as well as through a crowd-sourced "citizen traffic reporter" function.
Go-to functions on the main screen are "Comparative Traffic" (which gives you a color-coded indication of current road conditions vs. their normal flow) and a "Forecast" function to gauge the best time to travel. Your input also helps make the app work: The "Alerts" icon on the main screen gives you three options to quickly provide updates to fellow users. Categories include "Police," "Accident" and "Traffic Color is Wrong" (for incorrect traffic assessments).
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