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

ALBANY, NY (04/14/2013)(readMedia)-- April 15-19, 2013 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 changes made to the New York state "move over" law.

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 change lanes when approaching an incident where there is a vehicle with flashing red or blue lights (such as police or fire) and 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 hefty. Drivers who fail to follow this law could receive a moving violation, can carry three points and up to $275 fine plus court surcharges and a possible jail sentence of 15 years.

At the beginning of this month, the New York State Police announced it would be increasing enforcement of the "move over law;" keeping in mind the law's expansion includes amber lights, the public should know that to remain in full compliance of this law, drivers must also move over for road workers.

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

With the increase of smartphones, gadgets and communication devices in cars, there has been an increase in injuries and deaths due to distracted driving, including work zones. 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.

Distracted driving and excessive speed are the biggest threat to our men and women working in work zones.

"April is the beginning of the road work season. 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."

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

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."

CSEA is again, renewing its pledge to build awareness this year.

"Just as the seatbelt safety campaign took time to reach the traveling public, so will work zone awareness. If we are steadfast, motorists' awareness of their work zone driving behavior will be as routine as clicking on a seatbelt," said Donohue.

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 2012, 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. "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," he said.

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