State Police have more rules of the road this year

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Thousands of motorists will be hitting the highway for the long Independence Day holiday and the State Police will be out in force to try and insure a safe arrival at the holiday destination.

State Troopers have had an added emphasis on highway safety in recent months with changes to driving laws.

“Using a cellular phone became a primary offense, texting was already a primary offense, and coming up seat belt use will be a primary offense,” said State Police spokesman 1^st Sgt. Michael Baylous. “We’ve really been hitting highway safety hard this year.”

The agency has freed up extra funds to increase patrols in work zones as well. Baylous warned the first cruiser you see may not be the only one in the zone and if you don’t slow you speed you could be facing a second trooper running radar deeper into the zone. It’s also still a work zone even if construction crews are off for the holiday.

“The roadway may not be completely finished.  There may be hazards there like big bumps, holes, or unfinished surface,” said Baylous. “You need to pay attention to those signs.”

Baylous said drinking will be the fastest way to attract the blue lights.

“We have no tolerance for DUI,” he said. “There’s really no excuse for it. We’ve been preaching for years if you’re going to partake in that lifestyle, get a designated driver.”