ODOT has released a series of videos highlighting dangers of not driving safely through a work zone in support of the initiative.
Advertisement
Drivers must be aware of what other drivers are doing, he said.
Road construction has started in many areas throughout the state and Griesbach recommends not losing sight of the road because of worker activity.
Follow the signs. Signs and flaggers will direct you through the work zone.
ATSSA’s James Baron explains, “Work zones crashes happen when motorists ignore workers or signage, drive carelessly and speed, are impaired, or are distracted”.
Highway department employees work hard to keep the road safe, but put their lives on the line daily when they work only inches away from vehicles flying by at over 70 miles an hour. But because this is not an ideal world, National Work Zone Awareness Week is scheduled to begin next week.
“Follow the instructions on the roadway signs, slow down, and pay attention to where our workers are”. This week, the Indiana Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to slow down in work zones.
In an ideal world, motorists wouldn’t need to be reminded to slow down and exercise heightened caution when approaching work zones. “We’re out there for their benefit to make things safe for them, so we’d like them to make things safe for us”. The first step to keep safe is recognizing that workers in construction zones are in a highly vulnerable position.
Drivers are more likely to be ticketed for speeding in work zones, and the fines are heftier.
In 2015, three county road workers in the state were killed in work zones – and Wisconsin work zones average 15 fatalities and 1,200 accidents every year.
Don’t tailgate. Unexpected stops frequently occur in work zones.
Expect the Unexpected – Speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed, and people may be working on or near the road.
Advertisement
Highway experts recommend reducing speed, paying close attention to traffic and surroundings, and reduce distractions.
