Traffic Conditions Before Driving: Complete Checklist

Pre-Drive Freeway Traffic Checklist

Before heading out on any significant drive, spend 2–3 minutes assessing conditions. This checklist helps you decide: leave now, wait 15 minutes, or take an alternate route.

The Checklist

Step 1: Open FreewayFeed — Go to FreewayFeed route planner, enter your start and end address.

Step 2: Scan the First 15 Miles — Look at the cameras for your first quarter of the trip. Check for brake lights (red glow = traffic) and incidents.

Step 3: Check Weather/Visibility — If fog, rain, or snow visible, assess whether conditions are safe.

Step 4: Assess Your Alternatives — If main route looks bad, check 1–2 alternate routes.

Step 5: Make Your Call — Green light (clear cameras) → Leave now. Yellow light (light backup) → Leave but prepare for delay. Red light (heavy backup) → Wait 15 minutes or take alternate.