Traffic system question - definitions

Using Nuvi 370 with Garmin GT12 FM Traffic Receiver unit, GTM SW version
4.10 and following subscriptions:
RAC Live (UK): Lifetime subscription
V-Trafic (FR): 3 month subscription
TTN (US): Expires 5/25/07

In the US, what is the difference/definition (beyond my wife's common sense,
which is confusing) between phrases "Heavy Traffic" and "Slow Traffic".

Reason for question is to improve decision making as to whether to avoid one
or the other.

BYW, anyone contributing comments on European traffic system phrases welcome
to participate, as we plan to visit Europe (England, France, Benelux,
Norway, Denmark and Italy) a couple of times this year.

Thanks.

Jay
.

Just guessing here as a US member, but I'd say that slow traffic is moving
continuously but somewhat slower than the speed limit. Heavy traffic would
be more like stop and go, where you will frequently be coming to a full
stop. I'd be inclined to route around heavy traffic a lot sooner than
around slow traffic, if that helps. BTW, doesn't the 370 display show
estimated delay times on the screen for traffic problems?

Mike

Mike, not in my experience. I think that may be a function of the traffic
signal broadcaster rather than the Nuvi. The info received with the traffic
notice does indicate, beyond the road the incident is on,
a) how far from my current position I expect to find the incident
b) from where to where along the road the incident extends,
c) an arrow next to distance - haven't deciphered the meaning of it other
than maybe it indicates compass direction - except direction is already
indicated in the base info, i.e., Avenue A Northbound.

Any other ideas, folks?

Thanks

Jay

Hmm - the 680 (with MSN Direct) shows an icon with the estimated travel
delay at each traffic problem. I'm not sure what the 350 shows as I never
could get the traffic receiver to work on that.

Mike

No idea on official definitions, but here in the NY metro area I'd say
we refer to heavy _volume_ which means that the road is packed but
still humming along at or close to the speed limit. Not sure if that
is what was in mind when "heavy traffic" was defined, but that is what
pops in my mind when I hear the phrase.