National Work Zone Awareness Week 2017
National Work Zone Awareness Week – Keep Road Construction Workers Safe
April 3-7, 2017 is National Work Zone Awareness Week and we’d like to remind everyone to slow down in work zones where improvements are being made to city streets, county roads, state, and interstate highways. We want to keep our road crews safe and those that drive on the roads. 80% of the deadly accidents that happen in work zones are drivers and their passengers. Rear-end collisions are the most preventable accident that occurs. Common problems like tailgating, exceeding the posted speed limit, ignoring the flagger and lane restrictions cause many of the incidents that could be prevented.
Here are some work zone driving safety tips from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT):
- Expect the unexpected. Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be restricted and people may be working on or near the road.
- Slow down! Speeding is one of the major causes of work-zone crashes.
- Keep a safe distance. The most common type of accident in a work zone is a rear-end collision. Maintain two car lengths between you and the car in front of you as well as road crews and their equipment.
- Pay attention. The warning signs are there to help you move safely through the work zone. Observe the posted signs.
- 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. You can be cited for disobeying a flagger’s directions.
- Stay alert and minimize distractions. Dedicate your full attention to the roadway and avoid changing radio stations or using cell phones while driving in a work zone.
- Keep up with traffic flow. Motorists can help maintain traffic flow and posted speeds by merging as soon as possible. Do not drive right up to the lane closure and then try to barge in.
- Check road conditions before you travel. Schedule enough time to drive safely and check for traffic information by calling 511 or by logging on to az511.gov.
- Be patient and stay calm. Remember, crews are working to improve the road and your commute.
Learn more about National Work Zone Awareness week here.
Desert Mountain Corporation – Keeping Roads Safe Since 1990
