Can GPS avoid traffic jams?

[daveshoe]

I have seen ads from stores such as Staples that brag how this or that GPS unit will reroute you around traffic jams. Is this a feature that requires some sort of extra technology such as Bluetooth phone [no idea what that is]or is it a system that stands alone--you just buy the unit and it magically predicts the traffic jam is ahead,so go ahead and exit the freeway and the little genius machine will route you around the problem?

The salesmen for these devices seem to be clueless,so it does not make me confident to purchase one untill I get some TDR wisdom. Anyone have some experience with them or can give advice on a budget minded purchase?

 

[steved]

From what I looked at, it requires an extra signal (not sure what that signal is)... and that feature costs extra (monthly charge).

But supposedly it will route you around traffic...

steved

 

[Skydiver]

When on a long trip in unfamiliar roads I can attest to having a CB radio along with a GPS will get you around a blocked interstate due to an accident.

 

[CJ8Rockcrawler]

I have the Garmin Streetpilot C580 w/ the MSN direct traffic/weather/fuel prices etc. The MSN stuff works, but seems to be more reliable in some places than others. It seems to work much better when I go up to Phoenix than it does in Tucson. When it does have the info about traffic accidents, it will automatically reroute you around the area... pretty cool. Just an FYI on the MSN direct fuel prices... it only shows unleaded prices... ugh... Doesn't do me much good in the Dodge or the VW.