Nov. 14, 2003

For more information contact:
Mike Jackson
515-239-1192
michael.jackson@dot.state.ia.us
or
Lt. Robert Hansen
515-281-5615
rhansen@dps.state.ia..us

Iowa DOT and Iowa State Patrol enhance 511  features  

Iowa’s Travel Info Source
Dial 511 or 800-288-1047
Online: www.iowaroadconditions.org or
www.511ia.org

AMES, Iowa - Nov. 14, 2003, - Iowa’s first voice recognition travel information service, 511, continues to enhance traveler safety in Iowa.  

SUCCESSFUL FIRST YEAR OF SERVICE
Sponsored by the Iowa Department of Transportation and Iowa State Patrol, the service came on line last November. From January to August more than 218,000 telephone calls have been received.

“February was by far the busiest month for the service due to weather events,” said Sandra Larson, director of the DOT’s Research and Technology Bureau. “Nearly 84,500 calls were received in that month alone.”

NEW FEATURES FOR 2003/2004
Previously, callers and Web visitors were alerted to weather-related conditions and informed about construction work on Iowa roadways. This year added features, to be activated Nov. 15, include roadway incidents affecting travel as reported by the Iowa Highway Patrol and Amber Alerts.

"With another winter driving season just around the corner, State Troopers are eager to once again provide detailed winter road condition information," said Captain Todd Misel of the Iowa State Patrol.  "Together with the Iowa DOT, we continue to focus our reporting in a precise and timely manner.  At the same time, we are interested in providing the greatest amount of regionally specific information possible."

ENHANCED SAFETY
The decisions made by motorists in advance of their trips or while en route can be life saving. The 511 service and road condition Web site allow motorists to make critical decisions before leaving home, like postponing a trip when road conditions are deteriorating or rerouting if an incident has closed a roadway. Travelers can dial 511 and find out about current road conditions along their route. Aided by this information, motorists can determine whether conditions are suitable for travel on a specific route.

VOICE RECOGNITION
Iowa’s 511 service uses a voice recognition system, allowing for hands-free operation. The Iowa Department of Transportation and Patrol encourage motorists to use their wireless phones responsibly and safely, preferably not while driving.

PARTICIPATING TELECOMMUNICATION CARRIERS
More than 200 wireline, wireless and pay phone companies provide telecommunication services in Iowa. Many of these companies have volunteered to make 511 available to their customers as a public service.

Significant credit goes to the Iowa Telecommunications Association and Rural Telephone Association for encouraging their members to participate. A list of participating companies is listed on the DOT’s Web site.

Iowans who do not have access to 511 can still call 800-288-1047. Out-of-state callers must use the 800 number to access Iowa’s travel information.

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