May 10, 2018 2 min read

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation held a “safety day” Wednesday at the welcome center on Interstate 70 near Claysville.

PennDOT workers were accompanied by state police and members of the Claysville and West Alexander fire departments to provide safety tips to anyone making a stop at the center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Jay Ofsanik, safety press officer for PennDOT, said it was the first ever safety day in Washington County. He said one was recently organized in central Pennsylvania and deemed successful.

“They asked us to try to duplicate those efforts to promote highway safety,” Ofsanik said.

The day focused on providing information on work zone safety, the Steer Clear law for emergency vehicles, and child seat laws.

“The biggest thing is to make people aware of the laws in Pennsylvania and make sure they’re driving safely through our commonwealth,” he said.

Ofsanik said the event was timely, with the Memorial Day holiday approaching and traffic increasing as the summer season opens. He also said several construction projects are underway along I-70.

“Particularly in the I-70 corridor there are a lot of construction zones,” he said. “People still need to slow down through those work zones.”

Stations were set up for people to check out fire equipment. Claysville fire Chief Dave Hilderbrand, who attended the event, said his department responds to vehicle fires, crashes and medical calls on the interstate. It can be dangerous for his crew members if drivers are not cautious while approaching those scenes.

“If you’re approaching the scene of an accident and you see we’re in the right-hand lane, try to get over into the left lane,” Hilderbrand said.

State police also attended the event to provide visitors with information on safe driving practices and state traffic laws.

“What we want people to do is focus on the road,” Trooper Melinda Bondarenka said. “You’re priority is to drive.”