September 2nd, 2020 – 3:20 PM
Georgia Department of Transportation –
To ease traffic congestion statewide during the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend, the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is suspending interstate highway construction-related lane closures from noon Friday, September 4 through 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 8, 2020. Lane closures will also be limited on major state routes that directly serve key tourist and recreation centers.
Georgia DOT reminds drivers that crews may still work in proximity to highways to address safety and maintenance concerns that may require some long-term lane closures. In addition, incident or emergency related lane closures could become necessary at any time on any route.
As a reminder, 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.
With the anticipated heavy travel holiday ahead, motorists are advised to slow their speeds, drive alert, eliminate distractions, wear their seat belts, and to not drive impaired.
In the Event of a Vehicle Breakdown or Crash:
Georgia DOT advises motorists to never get out of their cars on a freeway, unless your life is in imminent danger. If possible, pull off the roadway as far as possible, turn your hazard lights on, and stay seat-belted in the vehicle with the doors locked.
Hands-free Cell Phone Law:
Hands-free cell phone use is the law when driving in Georgia. When drivers use cell phones and other electronic devices, it must be with hands-free technology. It is illegal for a driver to hold a phone in their hand or use any part of their body to support a phone. For details of this law, go to: https: www.gahighwaysafety.org/
Motorist Assistance Available:
For HERO assistance in metro Atlanta or CHAMP service on interstates and state highways in all other regions of Georgia, call 511, a free phone service that provides real-time statewide information about Georgia’s routes, including traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures and delays due to inclement weather. Callers can also transfer to operators to request roadside assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org.
Georgia’s Move Over Law:
Georgia DOT reminds drivers that Georgia’s Move Over Law requires them to move to the next lane when law enforcement, an emergency vehicle or a work crew is on the side of the road and displaying flashing emergency lights. This includes moving over for the HERO and CHAMP units. If it is unsafe to move over or traffic has filled all lanes, drivers should then slow down below the posted speed limit.