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.
Drone Medical Supply Delivery
While drones are often used as a fun activity, they could soon be serving a very important purpose…saving lives.
As part of the FAA's Drone Integration Pilot Program, the Division of Aviation teamed up with WakeMed Health and Hospitals in Raleigh and Matternet, one of the world's leading drone delivery providers, to deliver blood samples and other medical packages across WakeMed's network of healthcare facilities.
The Program tests practical uses of drones by partnering local governments with private sector companies. As a result, more is learned about how this emerging technology can be safely and usefully integrated in to day-to-day activities in the future.
Until now, medical supplies like this had never been delivered by drone in the U.S. This was the first time that a drone was permitted to fly untethered over people and traffic in the country.
Labor Day Booze It & Lose It
Clergy from across Robeson County gathered to pray for the safety of drivers on the first day of the Governor's Highway Safety Program's Booze It and Lose It campaign.
The campaign, which increases law enforcement's presence statewide through Monday, Sept 3, complements the
NC Vision Zero initiative which is trying to reach zero traffic-related fatalities through efforts such as law enforcement, better designed roads and educational outreach.
The Governor's Highway Safety Program is asking the public to be mindful during this Labor Day holiday to travel safely by designating a sober driver, calling a cab, using a ride sharing service or finding public transit options.