Work Zone Safety Awareness

For motor vehicles:

1. Move Over, Slow Down. The Move Over Law which takes effect March 22, 2009, requires drivers approaching a stationary emergency or maintenance vehicle with flashing lights to move to the next adjacent lane if it is safe to do so, and, barring that, to reduce their speed. Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to $100.
2. Expect the unexpected in a work zone. Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed, people may be working on or near the road, and pedestrians may be forced into different paths of travel then expected.
3. Slow Down. Speed is one of the major causes of work zone crashes. Speeding in a work zone can also result in double the fine.
4. Don’t tailgate. Keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you. The most common crash in a highway work zone is the rear end collision.
5. Pay attention to the signs. The warning signs are there to help you and other drivers move safely through the work zone by giving adequate information about what you’re likely to encounter.
6. Expect delays. Schedule enough time to drive safely and call 511 from your cell phone for traffic info or check the current traffic conditions before you drive.
7. Don’t drive too closely to the work zone. If possible, leave space between your car and workers in a work zone.
8. Report a road hazard. If you see a hazard in a work zone or anywhere on the highway such as an upturned grate or bridge expansion joint out of place, call 511 from your cell phone.
9. Seek an alternate route. Altering your route, if possible might help save a life. There are nearly 800 fatal crashes annually in work zones in the United States.

For Pedestrians:

10. Follow marked pedestrian pathways. These are signed areas to facilitate safe pedestrian movements through the work zones. Movements outside of these areas could comprise your safety.