The Road Home
Safety Advice
Work zones are no place for impatience or aggressive driving.
After all, work zones are there because road conditions are being improved or roads are being expanded or modified to create better, faster or more convenient transportation routes for everyone.
The added seconds or minutes that may result while passing through a work zone represent a very small "price" to pay for years of safer driving. It's also worth remembering that the sign and other directions given at work zones are intended to get you, your family and motorists around you to your home, work and other destinations as quickly and safely as possible.
What is a Work Zone?
A work zone is a an area of highway or street with construction, maintenance, or utility work activities. A work zone is typically marked by signs, channelizing devices, barriers, pavement markings, and/or work vehicles. It extends from the first warning sign or rotating/strobe lights on a vehicle to the END ROAD WORK SIGN or the last temporary traffic control device.
Work Zone Facts
The most likely time for a work zone accident: daylight, clear or cloudy, on Wednesday in August.
Workers most at risk: traffic flaggers.
Top three types of collisions: rear-enders, striking a fixed object, sideswiping.
The two major reasons for work zone crashes: speeding and inattentive driving.
Four out of five drivers in a recent Michigan survey said they slowed down when
they entered work zones. However, radar speeds showed none of them actually
did.
It takes less than a minute more to travel through a two-mile long work zone at
45 mph than at 65 mph – 52 seconds, to be precise.
At 60 mph, a vehicle travels 88 feet per second. In the three-quarters second it
takes to put your foot on the brake, you've gone 66 feet – 180-220 feet before
the car stops. In other words if you speed, by the time you see the problem,
you're probably out of luck!
Work Zone Safety
1. Stay Alert! Dedicate your full attention to the roadway.
2. Pay Close Attention! Signs and work zone flaggers save lives.
3. Turn On Your Headlights! Workers and other motorists must see you.
4. Don't Tailgate!
5. Don't Speed! Note the posted speed limits in and around the work zone.
6. Keep Up With The Traffic Flow!
7. Don't Change Lanes In The Work Zone!
8. Minimize Distractions!
9. Expect The Unexpected! Keep an eye out for workers and their equipment.
10. Be Patient! Remember the work zone crew members are working to improve your ride home.