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.
Prepping for Snow
Even though it is fall, the N.C. Department of Transportation’s western maintenance divisions are preparing for the winter. Counties are inspecting equipment such as plows, spreaders, brine tanks and snow blowers to help keep roads open and safe during inclement weather.
Just before winter weather is expected to arrive in an area, NCDOT will treat roads based on priority — interstates, four-lane highways and other primary routes first, followed by secondary roads.
For the most up-to-date traffic information, visit
drivenc.gov.
Impaired Driving Enforcement
This weekend marks the beginning of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program’s Halloween “Booze It & Lose It” anti-impaired driving campaign. Throughout the next week, local and state law enforcement will be increasing patrols to catch impaired drivers. But they can’t keep our roads safe without your help.
If you plan to drink this weekend, do not drive. Designate a sober driver, use public transportation, or call a ride share service. And if you know someone who is impaired, don’t let them get behind the wheel.
We want everyone to have a fun Halloween. As you head out, please prioritize safe and sober travel.
Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating
While Halloween isn’t expected to be the same this year due to the pandemic, it is still important to ensure motorists and trick-or-treaters are safe. If you do trick-or-treat:
- Plan and discuss a safe route.
- Carry a flashlight or wear reflective markings and stay in well-lit areas.
- When available, walk on sidewalks.
- Cross streets at crosswalks when available, and look both ways before crossing.
For motorists:
- Drive slowly, especially through residential streets.
- Stay alert.
- Don’t drive distracted.
Be Ready for Driving Challenges when Daylight Saving Time Ends
Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday morning, when we turn your clocks back one hour. This change can present challenges for drivers as it gets darker sooner, so many afternoon commutes will be in the dusk.
In addition to turning clocks back on hour on Sunday, it is also a good time to make sure your vehicle’s lights, including flashers, are working properly; switch headlights from high to low beam when vehicles approach; be alert and watch for bicyclists, pedestrians and deer; and avoid driving while tired.