The Kentucky Department of Transportation values the lives of its citizens and visitors and has enacted various laws and programs designed to make highway safety a top priority. Examples of such laws require motorists involved in an accident to move their vehicle(s) to the side of the road if there is no serious injury and moving to the next lane when approaching an emergency vehicle, if possible to do so safely.

The KY Department of Transportation offers a driver improvement program for local, state, and federal employees in an effort to reduce liability claims due to accident and injury. Rollover simulations, mock crash scenes and mock DUI trials are part of the student education program offered by the Kentucky Department of Transportation. Basics of highway safety that individuals can access online include:

1. Monitoring traffic and weather conditions

2. Reviewing collision statistics

3. Reviewing Kentucky DMV driving programs

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Monitor traffic conditions using Kentucky DOT resources

The Kentucky Department of Transportation provides a mapping tool that illustrates areas experiencing traffic delays due to factors such as construction, accidents or disabled vehicles, allowing drivers viewing this information to alter their travel routes.

I recommend: The Department of Transportation in Kentucky provides a Dial 511 interactive mapping application that allows users to view items such as traffic alerts, construction areas and areas of delay due to special events statewide by simply checking a box to activate a specific feature. Other features that users may activate on this mapping application include traffic cams, weather radar and weather cams. The Kentucky Transportation Department also operates a SAFE Patrol program that monitors major roadways to assist motorists with incident management, which helps reduce traffic congestion. The SAFE Patrol aids motorists seven days a week during set hours.

Examine the Kentucky Department of Transportation collision statistics

The Kentucky Dept. of Transportation provides collision statistics online, which users can access data on state, county and citywide levels. Motorists making the most of Kentucky Department of Transportation resources can review this information online to become aware of locations that have high accident rates and allow them to exercise more caution when driving through those areas.

I recommend: Query collision statistics using the Drive Smart application. Some statistical categories come with an interactive map that the user can utilize for further analysis. Problem Ranking maps illustrating counties with severe safety needs as well as maps depicting Target Enforcement are also available for download.

Learn about Kentucky Department of Motor Vehicles driving programs

Kentucky values driver safety and has implemented driving programs to ensure drivers are aware of driving regulations.

I recommend: Permitted drivers under the age of 18 are required to complete a Driver Education program prior to receiving their unrestricted Kentucky drivers license. Drivers who receive a traffic violation may complete the State Traffic School program to avoid receiving points on their record.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Aside from driver education programs, the Dept. of Transportation in KY has enacted Seat Belt, Booster Seat and helmet laws designed to protect the safety of motorists.

The Kentucky Transportation Department is a great starting point for many business resource links including driving records, available highway projects and roadside sponsoring programs. Whether you need to find out where to send your drivers for a DMV test, or would like to put a bid in on a highway department project, you'll find the information you need at the Kentucky Dept. of Transportation website.

Use the Department of Transportation Kentucky website as a gateway to many other transportation-related venues. Find out the latest road closures and restrictions before your shipment leaves the dock, or keep your employees informed of any upcoming road construction and traffic hassles so they can prepare ahead of time and get to work on time or plan delivery or sales call routes.

1. Access DMV records, forms, handbooks and testing center schedules from the Kentucky DMV.

2. Help your employees and fleet drivers stay informed about road closures, conditions and traffic reports through the KY Department of Transportation website.

3. Get information on highway projects or other business dealings with the Kentucky DOT.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search within the Kentucky Department of Transportation for DMV records and more

Start all your DMV searches at the KY Department of Transportation site. Order driving records for potential employees who will be driving company vehicles, or help your employees obtain the registration and licensing they need by printing out forms and handbooks for them to read. Use online forms to access driving records.

I recommend: The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website is a one-stop shop for information relating to driver's licensing, regulations and other motor vehicle information. Request driving records from the Kentucky Driver History Record Website.

Use the KY Dept. of Transportation to get the latest road closure and traffic information

Keep yourself and your employees informed by using one of several traffic report websites available. If your employees have easy online access to the latest traffic reports, they are more likely to get to work on time. Help them commute hassle free by providing them with a daily morning report. You can also provide this information to help your salespeople or couriers plan their routes.

I recommend: Get road closures and detour information from Lexington-Fayette Division of Traffic Information website, or check Kentucky 511 Travel and Traffic Information for traffic info throughout the entire state.

Bid on projects or apply for other programs through the DOT in Kentucky

Whether you're looking to bid on a highway project, or want to sponsor a roadside clean up, you'll be able to find the information you need on the DOT website.

I recommend: Check out the regulations for doing business with the Kentucky Transportation Department project listings, or find projects through the Scheduled lettings.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If your company has an employee website, make a direct link to the Dept. of Transportation in KY area traffic reports through the website so your employees can check road status before heading to work or heading home at the end of the day.
• •  Make sure you follow all state regulations through the Kentucky Department of Transportation when bidding on any highway projects. Fill out all paperwork completely, and contact the department's bid division to answer any questions before you submit your bids.

The Kentucky transportation department is responsible for regulating travel within the state of Kentucky. Many companies are established within the state and are required by law to adhere to the regulations established by the Department of Transportation in Kentucky. Businesses need to be aware of the rules and regulations established regarding travel for commercial vehicles since in some instances these rules differ from those established for individual or private drivers.

Information about the Kentucky Department of Transportation and information regarding the DOT's rules and regulations can be achieved utilizing a number of sources and venues available on the Internet. Some of the most popular options available to businesses include:

1. Examining local state websites to determine Kentucky Department of Transportation laws and regulations.

2. Accessing legal websites for more information about the KY Department of Transportation and their laws.

3. Reviewing forums and discussion boards where one may read, comment and ask questions with regard to the Kentucky Dept. of Transportation.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Review the state funded websites for Kentucky Department of Transportation laws and regulations

Some of the most basic and important information with regard to the DOT in Kentucky will be found at state funded websites online. This is where businesses can go in order to make sure that they are complying with Kentucky Department of Transportation laws and regulations.

I recommend: The Kentucky Department of Motor Vehicles is a beneficial resource as it can provide important information with regard to various fields, such as Kentucky drivers license requirements and Kentucky vehicle registration information. Additional information from the state can be found at the Dept. of Transportation in KY website. This site offers fundamental Kentucky Department of Transportation information such as commercial drivers license information, which many businesses in the state may need to research.

Visit legal sites offering free advice on laws enforced by Kentucky Department of Transportation

There are many legal websites which offer advice to businesses regarding the laws and rules which have been established and enforced by the Kentucky DOT and the Kentucky DMV. While all businesses can appreciate free legal assistance, this is a particularly useful resource for companies who do not have their own legal department or lawyers to help them with such matters.

I recommend: Fleet Safety offers full law texts of Motor Vehicle laws, including those for the state of Kentucky. Some of the vehicle laws offered from the Safety Library include truck and truck-trailer access requirements and rules of practice for motor carriers. The Kentucky DUI Defense Lawyer offers advice on DUI bookings, getting your license back after getting a DUI and more. While many businesses hope they never have to assist an employee who gets a DUI on the job, this type of information can be valuable in the event that such a happening occurs. Businesses may also appreciate the site's examination of the point system used by the Kentucky DOT.

Read and ask for KY Department of Transportation on forums and discussion boards

Forums and discussion boards are beneficial venues in which individuals can exchange ideas and learn about specific topics. There are a number of forums and discussion boards devoted to the Department of Transportation in Kentucky, as well as the state's Department of Motor Vehicles. These websites can assist businesses who have questions or concerns about commercial Kentucky Department of Transportation laws and regulations, or just those who want to comment on Kentucky drivers license requirements or Kentucky vehicle registration options.

I recommend: The legal forum LawInfo.com offers communication on such important topics such as labor laws involving driving and the Department of Transportation in Kentucky. Meanwhile, businesses may appreciate the discussions at LimousinesOnline.com regarding getting DOT certified and AACA.org regarding Truck DOT numbers.

Like the functions of other state department of transportation agencies, the Kentucky Department of Transportation processes drivers’ licenses, vehicle licensing and titling and oversees road improvement projects. In addition, the Kentucky Department of Transportation implemented various programs to help improve the safety of motorists traveling its highways. Examples include the SAFE Patrol program, which provides roadside assistance to motorists, the Graduated Driver Licensing and Road Ready Teens programs aimed teen driving safety and the Share the Road Motorcyclist Safety Program. Other programs provided by the Kentucky DOT include Dial 511 and Adopt-a –Highway.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

SAFE Patrol program

The SAFE Patrol, operated by the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety Division of Incident Management, assists motorists who experience vehicle breakdowns or are involved in an accident on select interstates and parkways. Services provided to motorists include changing of flat tires and minor repairs. The SAFE Patrol also removes debris from roadway, directs traffic at accident scenes and checks and tags abandoned vehicles.

I recommend: To learn about the hours of operation and other services provided, refer to the SAFE Patrol webpage.

Graduated Driver Licensing Program

Kentucky's Graduated Driver Licensing Program consists of three phases -- the permit, intermediate license, and full unrestricted driver license phase. Each phase contains regulations pertaining to required practice driving hours, moving violations and accumulation of points.

I recommend: Refer to the Graduated Driver Licensing Program webpage for specific requirements associated with each licensing phase.

Road Ready Teens

The Kentucky Department of Transportation takes an interest in the safety of its teenage drivers and supports Chrysler's Road Ready Teens program. This program educates teenagers on driver safety using a video game, Road Ready Streetwise, that presents obstacles and distractions such as having passengers in the car, children in the street, vehicles backing out and bad weather.

I recommend: To learn more about this program, refer to the Road Ready Teens website.

Share the Road - Motorcyclist Safety

The Share the Road - Motorcyclists Safety Program, established by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), works to educate motorists on motorcycle awareness while driving. Recommendations provided to motorists includes not sharing lanes with motorcyclists, maintaining a stopping distance of at least 3 to 4 seconds and be sure to check blind spots for motorcycles that may be hidden.

I recommend: Refer to the Share the Road – Motorcyclists Safety Program webpage to learn more driving safety tips.

Dial 511

The Kentucky Department of Transportation Dial 511, sometimes referred to as a Travel Information Number, provides statewide information on driving conditions, road closures, rest areas, traffic cams and weather. In addition to accessing this information via telephone, individuals may also view this information online using an interactive mapping application.

I recommend: To view information online, refer to the Kentucky Department of Transportation Dial 511 webpage.

Adopt-a-Highway

The Adopt-a-Highway program works to provide Kentucky with clean highways, thanks to the efforts of volunteers adopting two-mile sections of roadway for which they assume responsibility for picking up trash at least four times a year. Volunteer organizations may obtain trash bags and safety vests to use the day of their trash pickup from The Kentucky Department of Transportation.

I recommend: For specifics on to participate in this program, refer to the Adopt-a-Highway webpage.