Work Zone Awareness

Roadway workers have the most dangerous land based jobs. Looking at today's drivers and what you see commonly on the road in these settings, we all need to be aware of how dangerous it is working in work zones and to increase our efforts to protect the safety of those who work on our roads.

Driving in work zones

To protect themselves and others, drivers need to slow down whenever they see flashing lights or move over, if possible, to leave the lane beside the work zone open. In some construction areas, lowered speed limits are posted and must be obeyed at all times.

Remember, when you enter a work zone, be patient. Worrying about the time and traffic won’t get you anywhere faster. Instead, slow down and pay attention to your surroundings. These tips can help you get in and out of a work zone safely:

• Eliminate distractions like eating, drinking, talking on the phone or fiddling with electronic devices.
• Expect the unexpected. Speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed, and people and vehicles may be working on or near the road.
• Slow down. A car traveling 60 mph travels 88 feet per second, and the faster you go the longer it takes to stop.
• Give yourself room. Rear-end collisions are the most common work zone crashes, so don’t tailgate.
• Allow about three seconds of braking distance.
• Look for signs. Orange, diamond-shaped signs usually give you ample warning of lane closings, construction areas, flaggers and other workers ahead.
• Be patient. If you don’t see workers, that doesn’t mean they’re not there. Observe the signs until you see one that says you’ve left the work zone.
• Plan ahead. Leave early or map out an alternate route.
• Follow the law. Slow down and move over, if possible, when you see flashing lights.

Please help us in bringing awareness to work zone safety while honoring the men and women that work on our roadways.