The Iowa Department of Transportation has a wide network of dynamic message boards on state highways. During emergency situations like the impending winter storm, the boards will show safety messages to assist motorists. Prior to the winter storm, the Iowa DOT is using the boards to gain additional eyes on the roadway by encouraging drivers to follow the Iowa DOT’s twitter feed at @iowadot. By following the twitter account, followers will also have access to information on the @statewide511 twitter feed.

Other ways to connect to the Iowa DOT via social media include:

•Geotag photos and video: All smartphones have a global position system because of enhanced 911 service. If you are a social media user who likes to share photos and video during winter storms, be sure your geotagging is enabled on your mobile device. Then the location of where your photo or video was taken will be tagged. Geotagging helps the Iowa DOT and travelers stay informed about traffic incidents and road conditions based on citizen observations.

•Use the traffic hashtag: The Iowa DOT will be using the hashtag #iatraffic during this event and recommends that other Twitter users do the same to find relevant tweets using that key phrase.

•Tell the DOT what you are seeing: Your information could be invaluable to others who are considering travel. You can also be another set of eyes for the Iowa DOT. When posting to Twitter reference @iowadot in your post. Tag them in your posts and photos on Facebook.