Last Minute Road Trips and Traffic Expected to Increase With Low Gas Prices

CHICAGO, Aug. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- NAVTEQ, the leading global provider of digital map, traffic and location data for in-vehicle, portable, wireless and enterprise solutions, provides Labor Day drivers with five ways to avoid traffic for their last minute summer trips. While the number of Labor Day drivers has trended slightly down over the past few years, the 12-month average for self-service regular gas* has also declined. AAA has published a fuel gauge report that shows gas prices are down an average of at least $1.00 since this time last year. Low gas prices could lead to additional drivers on the road for the long weekend. Here are five ways drivers can avoid the worst of the traffic:

ONE: Go against the grain - The worst Labor Day traffic will be to the most popular summer destinations in the area. If the city empties out as people go the lakes and beaches, think about taking advantage of relatively empty restaurants and attractions in town.

TWO: Shift your weekend - The worst holiday traffic tends to be on the Friday and Monday evenings, as travelers seek to get the most out of their long weekends. If possible, take one of these days off to travel and take advantage of less-congested roadways.

THREE: Go early or go late - Beat the worst traffic by driving in the early morning or late at night. Either way, make sure you're well-rested before heading out.

FOUR: Drive with current maps - Want to hit the most popular destinations at the most popular times? You will need every tool at your disposal. Make sure your GPS has current maps, so you will be up-to-date on all available alternate routes. Typically GPS system maps need updating about once a year. Visit www.navteq.com/store to find out more.

FIVE: Check traffic before and during your drive - Check NAVTEQ Traffic.com(R) before you leave the house, to see current conditions and learn about obstacles that may cause traffic later. Hit a problem on the road? Here are some tips to help get around the traffic:

    --  Visit the NAVTEQ Traffic.com(R) mobile website on your cell phone or PDA
        at http://m.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
        
help.traffic.com/city-codes-used-for-sms--ideal for getting
        instant traffic information.

* Available at: http://www.fuelgaugereport.com/

About NAVTEQ

NAVTEQ is the leading global provider of digital map, traffic and location data that enables navigation and location-based platforms around the world. NAVTEQ supplies comprehensive digital map information 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 4,400 employees located in 192 offices and in 43 countries.

NAVTEQ and Traffic.com are trademarks in the U.S. and other countries.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060313/NAVTEQLOGO)

SOURCE NAVTEQ

Web site: http://www.navteq.com/
http://www.traffic.com/