Tag: #SafeDriving

ADOT’s Safety Message Contest returns

Posted on by McCraren Compliance

Public can submit entries through July 25

Safety MessagePHOENIX – Have you ever traveled past one of the unconventional traffic safety messages that the Arizona Department of Transportation displays on overhead message boards and thought, “Hey, I can do that!”?

Well, your time to shine is here! ADOT’s eagerly anticipated Safety Message Contest returns for its seventh year, and we’re inviting Arizonans to submit their most creative and engaging traffic safety messages. You can submit entries through Tuesday, July 25, at azdot.gov/SignContest.

The contest gives Arizonans the opportunity to see their clever safety messages displayed on Dynamic Message Signs statewide, encouraging drivers to make better decisions behind the wheel.

“Safety is a priority at ADOT; nothing is more important,” ADOT Director Jennifer Toth said. “We want these messages to spark conversations about safe driving. Real change happens when drivers prioritize safety and choose not to drive recklessly, distracted or impaired.”

When creating a message – there’s no limit to the number of entries you can submit – follow these guidelines:

  • The message must relate to traffic safety.

  • Signs accommodate three lines, 18 characters per line.

  • #Hashtags, phone numbers and website addresses are not allowed.

  • No emojis.

ADOT will select at least 10 finalists, then the public will decide the winners. The two messages that receive the most votes will appear on overhead message boards along Arizona’s highways.

ADOT displays quirky traffic safety messages as part of an effort to encourage drivers to change their actions behind the wheel. We all need a reminder about safe driving because, according to national crash data, more than 90 percent of vehicle crashes are caused by driver decisions, such as drivers choosing to speed and to drive aggressively, distracted or impaired. According to crash data, 1,180 people were killed in traffic collisions on Arizona’s roads in 2021.

McCraren Compliance can help you understand and comply with FMCSA, USDOT and ADOT and ensure your drivers and your vehicles operate safely and efficiently.

Call us Today at 888-758-4757 or email us at info@mccrarencompliance.com to schedule your free FMCSA Compliance Assessment.

Original article published by ADOT

FMCSA Announces Commitments to Road Safety Through Inaugural Our Roads, Our Safety Week

Posted on by McCraren Compliance

Original article published by FMCSA

This safety observance will launch alongside two national public awareness campaigns promoting safe driving practices among all road users, including large truck and bus drivers.

Washington – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today announced the start of its first-ever Our Roads, Our Safety Week, a safety observance dedicated to educating all road users on sharing the road safely with large trucks and buses. This effort, taking place May 7-13, 2023, will raise awareness and share actionable information on improving roadway safety, directly supporting the Department’s National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS)’s goal of zero roadway fatalities.

Each day of the safety week is dedicated to the following safety-related topics: Safer Roads, Safer People, Safer Vehicles and Safer Speeds, which aligns with the NRSS’s Safe System Approach. Activities during the week will also focus on young drivers.

On Thursday, May 11, FMCSA will host a stakeholder event (streamed on Facebook Live) highlighting FMCSA’s and the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) industry’s commitments to the NRSS. Attendees will hear about specific activities and actions stakeholders are taking to help reach zero deaths on our nation’s roadways.

Other Safety Week highlights include:

  • The announcement of a new CMV driver-focused outreach campaign dedicated to reducing or eliminating speeding on our roads.
  • The unveiling of a new Our Roads, Our Safety public awareness campaign look and feel, designed to increase awareness and promote safe driving practices among all road users.

“FMCSA is committed to safety. We have a responsibility to educate all road users on how to safely share the road with buses, 18-wheelers, and other Commercial Motor Vehicles,” said FMCSA Administrator Robin Hutcheson. “Together we can make a difference in reducing the number of crashes, injuries and fatalities involving large trucks and buses.”

Large commercial vehicles are a critical part of our nation’s economy, transporting millions of dollars in goods and thousands of people across the country each day. The CMV industry contributes to our lives and livelihood, and it’s critical we work together to protect these professional drivers. Learn more about the Our Roads, Our Safety campaign by visiting ShareTheRoadSafely.gov.

McCraren Compliance can help you understand and comply with FMCSA, USDOT and ADOT and ensure your drivers and your vehicles operate safely and efficiently.

Call us Today at 888-758-4757 or email us at info@mccrarencompliance.com to schedule your free FMCSA Compliance Assessment.

Safety tips if you’re on the road during holidays and beyond

Posted on by McCraren Compliance

First published by ADOT.

As the Christmas and New Year’s weekends arrive to ring out 2020, we hope you’re combining any travel plans with a focus on health-related safety due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.I-40 Snow Photo East Flagstaff

During recent holiday seasons, ADOT has focused on safe driving recommendations for people who will be traveling on our highways. But this year we start by emphasizing this reminder: No matter the destination, don’t forget to bring and be prepared to use a mask to help stop the spread of the virus. Have you thought about taking the time now to put a spare, fresh mask or two in your vehicle?

On the highway safety side of the ledger, these reminders apply not only to the holiday season but also the winter travel season, especially if your plans will have you in the high country.

Before you hit the highway, check your vehicle for things such as correct tire pressure, engine fluid levels and the condition of your windshield wipers. Think about whether a visit to your auto maintenance shop is in order.

Get adequate rest before driving. Fatigue, like distracted driving, is a serious highway safety issue you shouldn’t ignore. The same goes for never driving if impaired by alcohol or drugs. Arrange for a designated driver or ride service if necessary. Lives are on the line. Be smart about it.

I-17 Approaching Black Canyon CityBe prepared for changing weather conditions, especially in our high country. Take time ahead of a trip to put together an emergency prep kit that you can put in the trunk or back of your vehicle. Pack things such as an extra change of clothes, blankets, drinking water, healthy snacks, a flashlight and other items that will help keep you comfortable in case you have to stop due to bad weather or an unscheduled highway closure. A fully charged cellphone also is important. ADOT has more information about an emergency kit when you visit azdot.gov/KnowSnow and look for the words “Must Haves.”

When you’re behind the wheel, you and your passengers should be using those seat belts. Don’t race to your destination. Speeding, aggressive and distracted driving are a recipe for serious crashes. If a winter storm is approaching or starting, it’s usually a good idea to let the storm pass before traveling. That way you’re giving ADOT’s snowplow operators time to improve the highways.

If you are driving behind one of our snowplows, stay at least four vehicle lengths back and try to avoid passing one of these big plows.

ADOT and its contractors cooperate in limiting full closures along state highways during the holidays. But work does continue and you should use caution when approaching or traveling through any work zones. This applies no matter what time of year you travel.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511, using the AZ 511 app and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT(link is external). When a freeway closure or other major traffic event occurs, ADOT’s free app available at azdot.gov/ADOTalerts will send critical information directly to app users in affected areas – where possible, in advance of alternate routes.

Remember to focus on safety. We’ll want to see you in 2021. Happy Holidays.

McCraren Compliance can help you understand and comply with FMCSA, DOT and ADOT and ensure your drivers and your vehicles operate safely and efficiently.

Call us Today at 888-758-4757 or email us at info@mccrarencompliance.com to schedule your free FMCSA Compliance Assessment.