CHP Traffic app review: real-time traffic information

Introduction

How do you go about getting your traffic reports? The CHP Traffic app for your iPod touch, iPad, and iPhone provides users with the ability to access real-time traffic information when it comes to incident data. The app is meant for those in California and the information is taken straight from the California Highway Patrol. The app gives users the ability to find the data that relates to their current location. The app for traffic information isn't feature-packed but what is offered is meant to be quick and simple to use. 

The best mileage tracking apps for iPhone and iPad 2021

Accessing Real-Time Information

It's obvious right from the start that this app isn't big on tools and features. The CHP Traffic app is meant to give users quick, real-time, and accurate data regarding traffic incidents. The app supports routes in California and as mentioned you will be getting your data from the California Highway Patrol. While the information may be helpful it’s hard to look past the bland and disappointing user interface of the app. It hasn’t been updated in almost three years and with that said it’s definitely in need of an overhaul. Even if the information is helpful it's hard to stay engaged and interested in the app.

The best iPhone apps for road trips

For its last update there were bug fixes, new regions were supported, and performance improvements were made. Although this may have been adequate at the time by now it falls painfully short. The app has 3.5 out of five stars from users, which actually feels quite generous.

Features and Tools

The way this app works is that you can view where the current incidents are on a map so you get where they are in relation to your whereabouts. Not all incidents will necessarily lead to huge hold-ups but some do and those will be highlighted in red. Tap on the logs to get details on the incident. Perhaps you're planning to meet up with others and if so you may want to email incident logs to them. If your friends use the app information can also be shared by Twitter and SMS.

The best parking apps for the iPhone

You've got the ability to check out all the traffic incidents in California, you can save regions that you are in on a regular basis, and there is a glossary of all the numeric codes and abbreviations that are used in the logs so you know what it’s about. It's a great idea for an app and can definitely be handy but it needs to really step it up and offer users a better experience.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• The app is easy to navigate 
• Save routes/regions you pass through on a regular basis
• The app features real-time current information
• View any incidents happening nearby
• There is a glossary of numeric codes and abbreviations that are used by the California Highway Patrol

Cons

• The user interface is uninviting and lacking in features

Final Thoughts

The CHP Traffic app for your iPod touch, iPad, and iPhone is meant to make it possible to get around and bypass any traffic incidents. The problem is this one feels and looks dated.