This Week at NCDOT: REAL ID, Truck-Driving Simulator, Be Alert for Deer

RALEIGH – The following are highlights from this week at the N.C. Department of Transportation. The stories below are also featured in NCDOT Now, the department's weekly newscast.

REAL ID Begins in 2023

There’s less than six months until the REAL ID implementation begins. Getting a REAL ID enhancement on your driver license or state ID card is completely optional. If you plan to fly commercially, or visit federal, military, or nuclear facilities, you will either need a REAL ID or you'll have to provide additional documentation - like a passport.

N.C. Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Wayne Goodwin recently got his and has tips for those deciding to go get their own.

“Know what documents you need, get there early. Decide whether you want to make an appointment in advance, which may be a few weeks or a couple of months, or you may possibly have to wait in line as a walk-in," he said. 

The federal implementation date is May 3, 2023, but it's not a deadline, you can still get a REAL ID after May 3. Visit NCREALID.gov for more info. 

Truck-Driving Simulator Trains New Employees

NCDOT now has its hands on a new training tool, a truck-driving simulator. It can be configured for drivers to train in any truck the department operates in any weather, traffic or area conditions. The primary purpose is to provide employees with safer first-time and early-career training in the simulator with no risk.  

“This tool is an incremental part of our fleet safety management program. We are able to take our staff out of harm’s way, and train them in a controlled environment here. We want to expose them to all the things they may encounter while they are on the job here at DOT," Director of Safety and Risk Management Robin Barfield said.

True-to-life features include a seatbelt, ignition switch, steering wheel, adjustable seat, hand controls and 180-degree visual display. 


Be Alert for Deer While Driving

NCDOT wants to share another reminder to watch out for deer as the sun now sets earlier. Half of all deer strikes happen September through the end of the year, so remember: 

• Slow down in areas posted with deer crossing signs and heavily wooded areas, especially during the late afternoon and evening.

• Deer often travel in small clusters, so if you see one deer near a road be alert for others.

• If you see deer near a road, slow down and blow your horn with one long blast.

• Always maintain a safe amount of distance between your vehicle and others, especially at night. If the vehicle ahead of you hits a deer, you could also become involved in the crash.

For more information about NCDOT Now, contact the NCDOT Communications Office at (919) 707-2660. Additional news stories from throughout the week can be found on NCDOT.gov.