Safety

ADOT reminds travelers to be prepared and safe as they head out for Labor Day weekend.

PHOENIX ‒ Recognizing the need of families to grieve in different ways for those killed in crashes, the Arizona Department of Transportation has established a policy allowing memorial markers along state-maintained highways in a way that minimizes risks for motorists, families and ADOT personnel.

Developed with input from community members, the policy specifies a maximum size and establishes standards for materials and placement so markers present less chance of distracting passing drivers or damaging vehicles leaving the roadway.

ADOT partners with Arizona Cardinals player Jared Veldheer for its “Seat belts. For life.” campaign.

PHOENIX – Football and traffic safety might not appear to have much in common. But the two converge at a critical connection: protection.

Consider that the safety gear worn by football players has the same purpose as a seat belt – help the wearer survive a violent collision.

It is no secret that Arizona is known for its intense summer heat and dry climate. But what makes the deserts of this state so hot?

Boldly go where no one has gone before and you'll see Star Trek-themed safety messages on Arizona highways to coincide with the film release of Star Trek Beyond.

Enjoy the new app, Pokémon Go, but be responsible and don't game and drive.

PHOENIX – In the past 10 days, two people working on state highways have been hit and killed by vehicles. These unnecessary and avoidable tragedies illustrate the need for drivers to pay attention in work zones and to give a safe margin of space to vehicles with flashing lights, such as tow trucks and emergency responders.

To remind drivers of the importance of paying attention to their surroundings, ADOT will display the following message this week on overhead signs statewide:

PHOENIX – Don’t let a mortarboard be the last hat your young driver wears.

If historical trends hold, the square covers tossed in the air at commencement ceremonies could be the last caps worn by some recent graduates.

That’s because alcohol-related crashes involving drivers ages 16-24 spike in May, making it one of the most dangerous months for young drivers. Since 2010, during the month of May there have been 50 alcohol-related fatal crashes involving young drivers on Arizona roadways, according to data collected by the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Wrong-way driving. No issue has prompted more people to contact ADOT over the past year.

PHOENIX – Drive. Just drive.

That’s the message the Arizona Department of Transportation is sending to those behind the wheel during National Distracted Driving Month.

Distracted driving kills thousands and injures hundreds of thousands in the United States each year. In 2015, at least 36 people were killed on Arizona roadways because of distracted driving. Those numbers are too high. Bringing them down is simple.

Just drive.

PHOENIX ‒ With the weekend forecast calling for gusty winds along with the possibility of snow in higher elevations, motorists should be on alert for adverse weather including blowing dust and limited visibility, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Even though monsoon season hasn’t started, blowing dust is possible throughout the year. ADOT’s safety tips for blowing dust, available at PullAsideStayAlive.org, include:

PHOENIX – Flashing orange lights. Bright orange traffic cones. Striped barrels and barricades.

You’re entering a work zone.

What coincidental timing, too, because the Arizona Department of Transportation is marking the beginning of National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 11-15) today.

ADOT's Safety Calendar features original artwork submitted by child relatives of ADOT employees.

The holiday travel season is officially here and it’s sure to be a busy one.

Title of newest Star Wars film gives ADOT an excuse to tout dangers of drowsy driving.

Sharing the road needs to be a focus year-round, and right now, as many children head back to school, it’s the perfect time for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to review and improve habits.

Traffic Incident Management is valuable because every minute counts when responding to the scene of a traffic incident.

National Stop on Red Week aims to educate drivers about the dangers of red-light running and to reduce the number and severity of crashes.

Motorists are reminded to take precautions when driving in extreme heat.