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.
Hot Car Safety
In 2018, 52 children died from heatstroke in cars, either because they were left or became trapped. More than half of these cases were because an adult forgot about the child in the back seat.
To help avoid this catastrophe:
- Put a bag or phone next to the child’s car seat so you’ll always check the back before leaving the car.
- Keep a stuffed animal or memento in your child’s car seat when it’s empty. Move it to the front as a visual reminder when your child is in the back seat.
Making a habit of checking your vehicle before getting out could save a life.
100 Deadliest Days
Don’t forget about your teen drivers as school lets out for the summer, either. The period from Memorial Day to Labor Day is called the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer due to the increase in crashes among teen drivers. What can you do to help keep your teen safe?
Educate yourself and your teen about risky driving behavior.
- Talk with teens early and often about the dangers of risky driving situations.
- Teach by example and minimize behaviors such as speeding or texting on the phone when behind the wheel.
- Encourage them to call a parent if they’re in a potentially bad driving situation and let them know they’ll be picked up without consequences.
Summer Drone Safety
With summer right around the corner, people will be taking to the skies in record numbers with their personal drones. While the technology is fun, it’s important to fly safely and legally.
Remember to not fly above 400 feet; never fly near airports; avoid flying over people or events; and always keep the drone within your visual line of sight.