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

ALBANY, NY (04/08/2014)(readMedia)-- CSEA – New York's leading union - is stepping up its efforts to remind the motoring public about the dangers of distracted driving this month. The union's Don't Zone Out campaign re-launch coincides with National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week (April 7-11) and the designation of April as Distracted Driving month by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. There is no better time to remind drivers about caution on the roadways.

Tragically, 6 CSEA members have lost their lives in on-the-job circumstances over the past six months. Four of the six involved traffic hazard incidents. Since record keeping began in 1983, nearly 50 CSEA members have lost their lives on the job in highway work zones.

Distracted driving is a serious problem and for CSEA, it's personal. Too many road workers lose their lives or are injured each year. These incidents are not only tragic, they are preventable. Additionally they change lives forever, not just for the workers, their friends and families, but also for those who are involved.

"In an instant, distracted driving can kill and change lives forever," said CSEA President Danny Donohue. "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. "Keep in mind that most traffic zone deaths involve the traveling public; So when you pay attention, the life you save may be your own."

CSEA is promoting the Don't Zone Out message through a variety of traditional and social media channels and is also working with all of the minor league baseball teams in New York to get the word out throughout the season.

CSEA's baseball Get Home Safe - Don't Zone Out promotion is being coordinated with the Long Island Ducks, Brooklyn Cyclones, Hudson Valley Renegades, Tri City Valley Cats, Binghamton Mets, Syracuse Chiefs, Auburn Doubledays, Batavia Muckrakers, Rochester Red Wings, Buffalo Bisons and Jamestown Jammers.

Since CSEA's "Don't Zone Out" campaign began in 2009 many other awareness campaigns across the country have also been established. As a result, distracted driving related deaths and injuries were dramatically decreased. Nationwide, in 2009 distracted driving reportedly killed almost 6,000 people. In 2012 the number fell to 3,000 deaths, but the recent rash of incidents involving CSEA members should remind everyone that the message must always be reinforced.

Nearly two years ago, CSEA also successfully supported an amendment to the state "move over law" to include road workers. Motorists are required, when possible, to change 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) as well. 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 penalties of 5 points on your license, up to $400 fine plus court surcharges and a possible jail sentence.

WHAT THE PUBLIC CAN DO

• Move over for amber lights, or police lights

• Obey posted speed limits

• Put the phone down and drive

• Never send or read text messages while driving

• In work zones, focus only on your driving

• If someone calls you while your driving, ignore it

• Help spread the word • Join the Don't Zone Out Facebook community and help build awareness:www.facebook.com/DontZoneOut

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