I did not read through this entire thread but to the OP, I used the "Waze" app on my phone to get traffic, accident and police reports on my way to the New Jersey shore.
WAZE (like Google Maps) is only useful in telling me what the stoopids will be doing. Useful to to correct alternative routing already underway.
Some problems one can’t avoid using the same routes (even if not EXACTLY the same from start to finish).
It’s not at all unusual I’m on the diversionary route (US or State highway versus the Interstate problem) and see the Woozies backed up 3/4-mile trying to get onto that Highway. Their detour may not be working for them at all in terms of Average MPH.
At long-term construction projects the alternates are already crowded. Using side roads may only give the impression of moving along as average mph shows it didn’t happen due to off-route congestion and extra distance traveled.
Evaluation is a mix of location (rural or metro) and experience. Using alternates to
get there faster is bad thinking (not thinking; pure emotion) as
separation from congestion is a better metric. Being able to
maintain 1-200/yard separation is the ideal for all roads.
Traffic volume is ALWAYS the predictor for average mph. In same wise, allowing yourself to be boxed-in from all directions is the best predictor for vehicular accidents. Ergo, avoid crowds up the extent of doubling the distance. This may mean radically different departure times (arrive at work 45” early versus 15”; or greater).
Other truck drivers of my acquaintance use AM Traffic radio reports, public service scanners, and CB to get thru areas
already familiar to them. I may go thru Nashville pretty often but local commercial AM is worthless as it doesn’t correlate problems via mile marker locations. (Dumbed down for the stoopids). State road departments are often no better (“incident ahead at Crowley Rd”, versus stating MM-326).
CB (AM-19) reports are predicated on the difficulties of moving a tractor-trailer which has greater constraints. Many alternatives open to cars are not available to trucks (street signs showing “Truck Route”). With permanent antenna & DSP audio
one can hear quite far out and begin the plan considerations.
1).
What is the problem (including extent of backup).
2).
Where alternatives are being discussed (more than one).
3).
How are those passable for big trucks (restrictions, lights, turns)
Read the thread
WAZE is not an answer. Only an option being used by all others. The appearance of “Best Routing” has to be examined.
If a typical American going on a road trip, planning the route plus stops IN ADVANCE is the key to success. USDOT plus state trans departments offer online info as to closures and construction. A Commercial Carriers Road Atlas shows “best” roads for off-Interstate travel PLUS are indispensable for tactical changes.
IOW, Woozie didn’t do that much for you per fixed problems. Those are known in advance.
Good planning skill means you can make a 1,200-mile trip and never be more than five-minutes off schedule (every stop). No electronics are needed past a CB. Controlling the length of stops (advance planned locations) and knowing average mph (58-mph high enough for cars given short stops; trucks use 50-mph) makes it pretty easy.
Start early and stop for the day, early.
There’s literally no other way to maintain highest average mph.
AM-19 is going to be busiest up to around 1500 weekdays. The locals go home and the long distance guys get tired. Traffic volume is HIGH till past 2100, then tapering.
2300-1100 is overall lowest traffic volume nationwide. (The earlier your start, the easier your day).
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