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.
St. Patrick’s Day Booze It & Lose It
As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, the Booze It & Lose It campaign educates the public on the dangers of driving while impaired.
During the week of March 11 through March 17, statewide law enforcement officials will increase saturation patrols and driver checkpoints to keep impaired drivers off the roads.
The upcoming St. Patrick’s Day campaign will incorporate new advertising and a new logo as the result of a successful yearlong pilot project in western N.C. which tested updates to the 27-year-old Booze It & Lose It initiative.
“Don’t take a chance,” says Mark Ezzell, Director of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program.
“Designating a sober driver or using ride-sharing services and public transportation is the only safe alternative.”
Severe Weather Preparedness Week
This week is Severe Weather Preparedness Week for the state of North Carolina.
The National Weather Service and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety are teaming up to bring this severe weather safety campaign to all corners of our state.
The campaign focuses on various topics including, flash flood safety, receiving severe weather alerts, and tips for making a severe weather safety plan.
For more information, visit ncdot.gov and search “severe weather.”
Wildflower Competition
Winners of the annual Wildflower Awards for 2023 were recently announced, with several different divisions being recognized for their roadside environmental work.
The NCDOT Wildflower Program began in 1985 as a long-lasting initiative that not only makes North Carolina more beautiful, but also helps sustain the pollinator population.
Wildflower beds are installed and maintained across each of the state’s 14 highway divisions.
Various regional awards were presented, along with the best overall division program.
First place went to Division 9, which consists of Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Rowan, and Stokes counties.
Daylight Saving
Lastly, don’t forget daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. this Sunday, meaning a darker morning commute for some drivers.
With the time shift, the department urges motorists to prepare and be cautious behind the wheel with these helpful tips:
- Ensure your vehicle’s exterior and interior lights are working properly.
- Stay alert for bicyclists and pedestrians.
- Keep your windshield clean to improve visibility.
- Be well rested and never drive drowsy.
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.
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