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.
Reporting Potholes
Last December’s early winter storm has Department of Transportation crews staying busy due to increased potholes in roadways. Potholes are common during the winter season when water seeps into cracks in the road and ice forms. Those cracks widen, causing the asphalt to rise and traffic loosens the pavement, eventually creating a pothole.
Safety is the department’s number one priority. With 80,000 miles of state roads, we need drivers, law enforcement and others to help identify locations where potholes need to be repaired.
To speed up the response process, motorists should
go to the NCDOT’s website and let the department know where it is located. The report will go directly to the county maintenance office that will handle the request.
NC Vision Zero
Two highways in Robeson County where 11 people have died in vehicle crashes over five years have been chosen for a new pilot safety study.
The Rural Route Safety Study is sponsored by the department and the Governor’s Highway Safety Program in partnership with Robeson County’s Vision Zero task force which seeks to eliminate fatal crashes. In all, NCDOT is studying eight highways across nine counties with the same goal of identifying strategies to reduce crashes and save lives. They are: Robeson; Duplin; Harnett; Union; Stanly; Cleveland; Gaston; and Randolph counties.
The Robeson County task force is already seeing results since forming a year ago. There were 53 fatal crashes in the county in 2017, with that number dropping to 48 last year.
Super Bowl Safety
NCDOT and the Governor’s Highway Safety Program are reminding motorists to celebrate the Super Bowl responsibly by designating a sober driver and always buckling up, every seat, every time.
In addition, those watching the game:
Should ask a sober friend for a ride home or use a ride sharing app if no designated driver is present;
If hosting a party, never let friends drive if they’ve had too much to drink; and
Stop serving alcohol at the end of the game’s third quarter.
Drivers can download ridesharing apps, designate a sober driver, locate public transportation options or call a cab.