Summer is construction season, and sure, it’s frustrating. Roads you’re used to taking are down to a crawl in one lane. Detours take you out of your way. Yet customers still expect prompt service, and the office demands high productivity.
Maybe you know what it’s like to work on construction or utility repairs on a busy street. Even if you don’t, it’s necessary to put frustration aside for the sake of those road workers’ safety – and your own. Now is a good time to remind your service people in the field about construction and work zone traffic safety.
Serious matter
The National Safety Council says that in 2005 (a representative year), 1,074 people were killed and 37,653 injured in work-zone accidents. Of those killed, 872 were in construction zones, 98 in maintenance zones, 17 in utility work zones, and 87 in other kinds of work areas.
No matter how you look at it, that’s more than a 1,000 people taken away from their families by accidents that no doubt could have been prevented. Everyone is responsible for traveling safely through work zones.
Engineers and planners have the responsibility to make sure the work zone is designed and operating properly, the NSC observes. Police and the courts have the responsibility to make sure that the traffic and work zone laws are enforced. Local communities and county and state governments need to allocate funding for safe roads and increase public awareness about work zone safety.
Tips for safe passage
But the key responsibility falls on people driving through work zones. Here are several safety tips offered by the NSC, the Federal Highway Administration, and the American Road & Transportation Builders Association.
Expect the unexpected. The normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed, and people may be working on or near the road.
Slow down. Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes.
Don’t tailgate. Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you. The most common crash in highway work zones is the rear-end collision.
Keep your distance. Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the construction workers and their equipment.
Pay attention to the signs. The warning signs are there to help you and other drivers move safely through the work zone. Observe the posted signs until you see the one that says you’ve left the work zone.
Obey road crew flaggers. The flagger knows what is best for moving traffic safely in the work zone. A flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign, so you can be cited for disobeying his or her directions.
Stay alert and minimize distractions. Dedicate your full attention to the roadway and avoid changing radio stations or using cell phones while driving.
Keep up with the traffic flow. Motorists can help maintain traffic flow and posted speeds by merging as soon as possible. Don’t drive right up to the lane closure and then try to barge in.
Expect delays. Schedule enough time to drive safely. Check radio, TV and Web sites for traffic information.
Be patient and stay calm. The work zone crew members are working to improve the road and make your future drive better.
