CSEA message to New York state drivers: "Don't Zone Out"

ALBANY, NY (04/23/2012)(readMedia)-- April 23-27, 2012 is National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week and April is Distracted Driving month designated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. There is no better time to remind drivers of recent changes to New York state law.

Earlier this year, CSEA successfully lobbied in support of a recent amendment to the state "move over law" to include amber lights, expanding the law to protect road workers. Motorists are now required when possible, to not only changes lanes when they approach an incident where there is a vehicle with flashing red lights (such as police or fire) but also for amber lights (road workers). When it is not possible to move over or there is only one lane, drivers must slow down. The penalty is a moving violation, can carry three points and up to $150 fine.

"In an instant, distracted driving can kill and change lives forever," said CSEA President Danny Donohue.

With the recent upswing in smartphones, gadgets and communications devices in cars there has been an increase in injuries and deaths due to distracted driving. The University of Utah released a study proving reaction time while driving distracted is similar to being legally drunk. Since record keeping began in 1983, 45 CSEA members have lost their lives on the job in work zones.

WHAT THE PUBLIC CAN DO

• Move over for amber lights
• Obey posted speed limits
• Put the phone down and drive
• Never send or read text messages while driving
• In work zones, be alert. Focus on your driving
• Help spread the word.
• Join the Don't Zone Out Facebook community and help build awareness: www.facebook.com/DontZoneOut

"The roadwork season is upon us. Scores of our members will be out on roads, bridges and highways. Our men and women are at serious risk for injury or death at the hands of drivers who ignore the law and blast through work zones unaware that lives are at stake, including their own," said Donohue. "Every driver in New York needs to know the dangers of distracted driving and what to do to make a difference."

Originally launched in 2010, the CSEA "Don't Zone Out" public safety awareness campaign for safer roads carries a very simple message to New York state drivers: Be careful driving through roadway work zones: "Don't Zone Out."

On April 27-29, CSEA will hold its Statewide Conference on Occupational Safety and Health in Lake Placid. Here, the 300,000 member labor union is renewing its commitment to its "Don't Zone Out" public safety awareness campaign to help end distracted driving. A new "Don't Zone Out" Facebook community of nearly 1,500 people helping to spread the message continues to grow and this summer, CSEA is partnering with minor league ballparks across the state through special "Don't Zone Out" themed nights with giveaways and a powerful video message: "Let's all get home safe/Don't Zone Out."

Nationwide, in 2008 distracted driving killed almost 6,000 people and injured another 15,000. In 2010, the number fell to 3,000 deaths.

In a recent release, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood gave credit to efforts across the country to end distracted driving such as the "Don't Zone Out" campaign. He said, while there is still much more to do, we are making historic progress when it comes to improving safety on our nation's roadways. He said through building awareness, we're saving lives, reducing injuries, and building the foundation for what we hope will be even greater success in the future.

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