RALEIGH – The following are highlights from this week at the N.C. Department of Transportation. The stories below are also featured in
NCDOT Now, the department's weekly newscast.
Teen Driving Safety
As back to school season approaches, the time is now to educate teen drivers about the dangers of risky situations on our roadways such as speeding and nighttime driving.
The time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is called the 100 Deadliest Days due to the significant increase in crashes involving teen drivers over the summer. Thirty-six percent of all motor vehicle fatalities involving teens occur between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
Parents can set an early evening restriction at sundown for their teen’s unsupervised driving when they first get a license, and then gradually expand the time as they gain experience.
Speeding is another major contributor to fatalities involving teen drivers. Teenagers who are monitored closely tend to speed less, so parents are encouraged to get involved as their teenager learns to drive and to be a good role model by not speeding.
Distracted driving due to things like cell phones, other passengers and music also contribute to dangerous teen driving. Restrictions on who can be in the vehicle and apps that prevent texting while driving can be helpful.
Charlotte Gateway Station Groundbreaking
Phase 1 of the
Charlotte Gateway Station project kicked off at a recent groundbreaking ceremony. In this stage, 2,000 feet of rail track will be put down, five new bridges built and a rail platform constructed. The work on this phase is targeted for completion in 2022.
"This new modern station will allow us to better serve our Amtrak passengers, as well as serve as a multi-modal station for future transportation needs to come,” said Transportation Secretary Jim Trogdon.
The City of Charlotte is leading phase 2 to find a private partner for the development of the facility. Gateway Station will serve as Charlotte’s multi-modal facility, connecting passenger rail, buses, taxis, ride sharing services, bicycles and other transportation options.
Wildflower Selfies
Wildflowers are in bloom across the state as part of the department’s popular wildflower program. While the flowers are beautiful and people may want to take pictures with them, stopping on the side of the road is only allowed during a medical emergency, a traffic stop or if it’s a designated parking area.
Remember, safety before selfie.
For more information about NCDOT Now, contact the NCDOT Communications Office at (919) 707-2660. Additional news stories from throughout the week can be found on
NCDOT.gov.