ADOT reminds drivers to call 911 to report debris in roadways

PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation on Thursday marked the death of a local resident who was killed in a debris-related crash in 2006 by reminding drivers to call 911 to report objects in roadways.

Gov. Doug Ducey proclaimed June 6 as Secure Your Load Day last month in honor of Matthew Reif, whose father worked with multiple agencies to kick off the public awareness campaign.

“Most of us have experienced a scary moment on a freeway when suddenly a ladder or mattress appears on the road in front of our car,” Maricopa Association of Governments Chair and Queen Creek Mayor Gail Barney said in a press release.

“Arizonans need to know it is OK to call 911 if that happens.”

It’s OK to Call 9-1-1, @Arizona_DPS alongside @ArizonaDOT call today,
“Secure Your Load Day” they want you to know that road debris are a matter of life and death. @KTAR923 pic.twitter.com/w7GHjmdBHO

— Ali Vetnar (@Ali_Vetnar) June 6, 2019

The Arizona Department of Public Safety responded to over 1,000 debris-related calls last year, according to the release.

We love using our social media accounts to interact with drivers and answer questions. But when it comes to a ladder or mattress in the road, dialing 911 immediately is the best thing you can do. Read more here: https://t.co/V4SSPxiyBy pic.twitter.com/KRo5a7w2qa

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) June 6, 2019

The Maricopa County region has averaged 700 debris-related crashes per year, resulting in 12 fatalities.

“Don’t tweet. Don’t text. Don’t even call the ADOT customer-service line. If you see road debris, consider it an emergency and call 9-1-1, because someone’s life just may depend on it,” ADOT director John Halikowski said in the release.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Ali Vetnar contributed to this report. 

On June 6, 2006, Paul and Toby Reif lost their son, 29-year-old Matthew David Reif, to a debris related crash. Life is precious, #SecureYourLoad @ArizonaDOT @MAGregion pic.twitter.com/EA7tlE0gmP

— Dept. Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) June 6, 2019

Follow @KTAR923