ORLANDO, FL — As more than 125,000 Biketoberfest visitors travel to Daytona Beach this Oct. 15 – 18, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) reminds travelers to drive carefully and plan trips ahead of time by calling 511 or visiting the FL511.com Web site. The festival has partnered with FDOT to inform travelers about 511 and other safety tips.
“We are delighted to be working with the Florida Department of Transportation in sharing this important information and resource for travelers coming to Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach,” said Janet Kersey, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer for the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “This is truly a great benefit that adds to the safety and well-being of our guests.”
The 511 system covers all of Florida’s interstates, including Florida’s Turnpike and many other major metropolitan roadways. Travelers can call 511 and say “I-95” or “I-4” to hear information on crashes, congestion, construction, lane closures and more. The FL511.com Web site features the same, detailed traffic and travel information as the phone call in addition to traffic camera views and links to other travel information.
For safety purposes, FDOT encourages travelers to:
- Call 511 before you hit the road, at a rest area or have a passenger call to avoid talking while driving.
- Call 511 before you enter a new roadway to become aware of current road conditions.
- Customize your trip before you leave home with My Florida 511 personalized routes at www.FL511.com to minimize time spent on the phone.
- Drive slowly and keep your lights on low beam in low visibility.
- Always wear a seat belt.
- Don’t drink and drive.
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) also reminds drivers that using the free 511 service to prepare for delays before getting on the road could reduce incidents. “Calling 511 prepares travelers for traffic conditions so they know what to expect on the roadway,” said FHP’s Sgt. Kim Montes.
The Florida 511 system now features new My Florida 511 personalized services allowing travelers to register their routes online and hear information on those routes right away when calling 511. Users can also register to receive traffic alerts via text message, e-mail and/or phone call based on time of day and severity of incident.
A call to 511 is free, however normal cell phone minute and/or text message charges apply.
For more information about Biketoberfest, visit www.Biketoberfest.org.
511 Tips
- Speak as clearly as possible and minimize any background noise – including radios, open windows, air conditioning and other people talking.
- Say “traffic”, “travel times”, “public transit”, “airports and seaports”, or “other options”
- Say “next,” “previous,” “stop” or “repeat” to navigate through the phone menus more quickly.
- Say “main menu” at any time to start over.
- Say “help” if you need more instruction.
- Callers can switch to touch-tone mode by pressing 88 at any time during their call.
- Check your cell phone strength when placing a call; weak reception may cause voice recognition problems.
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