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Hopefully the rest of the nation catches onto this, but for now, you can get real time traffic updates for one of the most heavily traveled roads in America, the Long Island Expressway. Drivers with web-enabled phones — yes, that includes the BlackBerry — can get actual photos of what it looks like up ahead. That will allow for some changes of plans, perhaps a side route that takes longer with no traffic, but is a viable option when faced with a gridlock.

This is along the lines of what they’ve done for the three major tunnels going into New York. A few clicks around the Internet can get you live pictures of the George Washignton Bridge, the Lincoln Tunnel, and the Holland Tunnel. I’ve re-routed my plans more than once because of this service, taking the train into New York rather than driving to Yankee Stadium. And yeah, it’s a more-than-convenient service.

Ah, but there is the issue of safety. After all, in order to use this, you’ll need to be accessing your phone while you drive. So what does DOT spokeswoman Ellen Peters have to say about it?

“The DOT is always concerned about promoting safety, and in our discussions we expect drivers will use this new technology in a safe manner, the same as they do for GPS navigational devices that are designed to make their travels easier,” she said.

Sorry, Ellen, but “expecting” drivers to use this safely is just misguided. This seems like something that should be checked before leaving the house and while in gridlock. But we know many drivers will be plugging buttons on their BlackBerrys while driving down the LIE at 75.

So while the service is an excellent idea, there is that major kink to work out. We’re hoping that the next story we see on this isn’t accident-related.

[Newsday]

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