'Masks Are In, Everyone Is Wearing Them': GDOT Adds Digital Signs

Roswell GA

22 May, 2020

3:32 PM

Description

GEORGIA — After the seriousness of the last few months, Georgians could use a little levity. Beginning Friday they'll be getting it in an unexpected place. The Georgia Department of Transportation announced Friday a series of new messages motorists could see over the holiday weekend on the Interstate changeable message signs, and some of them may bring a smile while reminding motorists of the importance of safety on the roads and everywhere. The signs, which are used primarily to alert motorists to crashes or lane closures, often carry safety reminders in the absence of more urgent messaging. The holiday weekend messages encourage all types of safe behaviors, both while driving and in everyday interactions. Some messages were inspired by submissions from Georgia citizens during a recent safety messaging contest and are now being used in the context of encouraging safe behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. Safety remains a priority at Georgia DOT, but expressing the messaging in a creative way inspires observation and conversation as friends and family safely venture out following state and local guidelines. Although fun, the signs encourage people to be more aware of their surroundings as they travel, and remind them to continue safety precautions when they arrive safely to their destination. The message series includes: Holiday Weekend: DRIVING HALF LIT IS NOT VERY BRIGHTSafety: DRIVE SAFELY OR WE CALL YOUR MOTHERWASH YOUR HANDS OR WE CALL YOUR MOTHERDRIVE LIKE YOUR MOMMA IS WATCHIN'WASH HANDS LIKE YOUR MOMMA IS WATCHIN'SEATBEATS ARE IN EVERYBODY IS WEARING THEMMASKS ARE IN EVERYBODY IS WEARING THEMMAKE SAFE CHOICES WASH YOUR HANDS WATCH YOUR SPEEDTHIS IS A SIGN YOU SHOULD BUCKLE UPSocial Distance THIS IS A SIGN YOU SHOULD SOCIAL DISTANCEDO YOUR PART SOCIAL DISTANCE 6+ FEETFEEL SICK? STAY HOMEBeaches: PUBLIC BEACHES SOCIAL DISTANCE 6+ FEETPUBLIC BEACHES AVOID GROUPS 10+ PEOPLEOther: LOOK TWICE SAVE A LIFE WATCH FOR MOTORCYCLESRelated: GA State Troopers Prepare For Memorial Day Amid Social Distancing Travel Reminders Drive Alert Arrive Alive Law enforcement has noted some motorists greatly exceeding the speed limit during this time of little to no congestion. Motorists are urged to keep their Memorial Day memories happy ones, by watching their speed and observing speed limits, keeping distractions to a minimum and focusing on driving safely. Rest Areas Open Georgia welcome centers are not currently open to the public for services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, restrooms at welcome centers and rest areas throughout the state are open, operational and routinely deep cleaned throughout the day. From time to time a rest area facility may be closed temporarily for service. The public is urged to use continued caution when visiting public spaces, practice social distancing and follow the public health guidelines set forth by state and local agencies, as well as act courteously to fellow travelers. Motorist Assistance Available In the event of a crash or breakdown, GDOT advises motorists to never get out of the car on a freeway, unless your life is in imminent danger. If possible, pull off the road, turn on your hazard lights and stay seat-belted in the vehicle with the doors locked. Motorists needing roadway assistance on interstates inside the metro Atlanta area or services on the interstate roadways outside the metro area are asked to call 511 to request HERO or CHAMP operators to assist them. When placing these calls, it is important to provide current location or nearest exit number and on what interstate the motorist is traveling on as well as make and model of your vehicle. Dialing 511 is a free phone service allowing motorists to seek help or to report crashes, roadway debris or signal disruptions, but it also provides real-time statewide travel information on Georgia's interstates and state routes, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to inclement weather. Callers can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org. Move Over Law Should you pass an accident, follow Georgia's Move-Over Law which states drivers must move over one lane or slow down and be prepared to stop when approaching a stationary law enforcement or other emergency vehicle, construction crew, utility service vehicle, or Georgia DOT HERO or CHAMP operator utilizing traffic cones or flashing emergency lights in the roadway or located on the shoulder.