Work Zone Safety – The Other Traffic Safety Workers

Time to pay attention to the unsung heroes of the road work zones. The men and women of the State’s Department of Transportation and local jurisdictions’ public works departments do their jobs so you can do yours.

Whether it is repairing and filling potholes, installing safety rails, or widening lanes, these work zone workers are at risk of daily serious injury from passing motorists. Two very important actions on your part (the driver) will keep these workers safer and more likely to avoid injury:

1. Slow down and obey the speed limit and lane markings in a work zone, and
2. Eliminate distractions.

Slow your vehicle to the posted speed limit and maintain that speed or drive slower (if conditions warrant it) in work zones. Additionally, avoid unnecessary (and even illegal) lane changes—maintain your lane and obey the markings. Remember, if lanes are marked by solid white lines, you must remain in your lane and may not make a lane change.

Eliminate distractions as you enter a work zone. Hang up the phone, put down your drink, stop texting. If a distraction is keeping you occupied while driving, it is time to stop that distracting activity and focus solely on the task of driving.

It is important to remember that work zone workers are there to perform a function, and they must be free from distracted and dangerous drivers. The safer their work environments are, the quicker their work assignments can be completed, which ultimately results in safer driving conditions for everyone. So, next time you are about to enter a work zone, slow down and pay attention.

Happy driving! Drive Safely!