The Ohio Department of Transportation runs a website called ohgo.com, which allows motorists to check road conditions and delays before they head out.
Being unaware of traffic disruptions can lead to delays, tardiness and frustration on the part of everyone involved.
Enter a little-known, state-run website designed to keep Ohioans in the loop with traffic conditions. The Ohio Department of Transportation officials have recently begun ramping up promotion through social media to get the word out about its website, www.ohgo.com, which some say is hardly used.
The mobile-friendly site, formerly known as BuckeyeTraffic.com, allows drivers to check road conditions before they depart.
“Our goal is to get the information out to the motor public,” said Matt Bruning, spokesman for ODOT. “We want to inform people of road conditions, speed information, accidents and anything else that would cause a delay.”
On the website, users can view live images of more popular highways and can even see average car speeds through the use of drivers’ cell phones, if those phones enable GPS.
The website was started back in the 1990s, and made the name switch to “Ohgo” just three years ago.
Since then, the website has gained some traction, Bruning said.
“I imagine the website has become more popular, and I believe the longer it around the more popular it will get,” Bruning added. “I think Ohgo can also be great for the media. It is also used by many highway patrol posts throughout the state.”
The traffic management center for ODOT is in Columbus, while nearly every county has a garage it can use to receive local traffic information.
Sergeant Vincent Shirey, spokesman for the Ohio State Highway Patrol, said he also sees the website’s perks for busy drivers.
“It is definitely advantageous for people to be able to check the website,” Shirey said. “The website helps you get home sooner and prevents you from sitting in traffic.”
Some highway patrol officers do not use the website on duty, though Chris Rey, state trooper for OHSP’s Marysville post, said he uses it all the time when he is off duty.
“Ohgo is very straightforward,” Rey said. “I utilize it when I am off duty to make sure there are no blockages are delays, its pretty handy.”
Bruning said the key is to use the website before you go out, so that by the time you are on the road, you can focus all your attention to driving.
“We always tell people, ‘Know before you go.’ It allows people to be prepared before they hit the road,” Bruning said.
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