Raleigh, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Transportation has joined the ranks of those sending out tweets.

DOT is using Twitter, a free social-networking Web site, to send out updates about highway and ferry traffic. Those who sign up can get traffic updates on mobile devices such as cell phones and PDAs.

“The goal of this high-tech initiative is to help people ‘know before you go,’” said Transportation Secretary Gene Conti. “By sending them important updates about traffic conditions and ferry delays, we can help citizens better plan for the day ahead.”

The tweets will contain information on wrecks, congestion, road lane closures and road work projects, as well schedule changes, delays and ticket sales for ferries.

Gov. Bev Perdue said it will prevent traffic jams and cut down on fuel consumption.

“A quick check of Twitter can make for a quicker trip to work,” Perdue said. “State government and our DOT are using 21st-century technology to connect you to up-to-date travel information so you don’t start or end your day in a frustrating logjam or bottleneck.”

DOT urged motorists to check their mobile device before they leave, not while driving.