Each spring, National Work Zone Awareness Week reminds us of the importance of using safe driving practices when traveling through construction zones. This year’s awareness week falls on April 21-25 and the motto of “respect the zone, so we all get home” emphasizes that being vigilant, following posted speed limits, and keeping constant focus can save both motorists and workers lives. In 2022, there were a total of 136 pedestrian fatalities and 96 thousand estimated total work zone crashes.
Whether you are driving through a work zone or the one working in them, it is important to follow safety practices to prevent accidents and ensure everyone goes home safely. The following practices can help ensure safety:
For Drivers:
- Maintain extra distance between vehicles
- Watch for equipment and workers entering the roadway
- Slow down and obey all posted speed limits
- Follow any flagger instructions
- Remove any distractions such as cell phones and eating
For Workers:
- Use proper traffic control devices and barriers
- Establish and maintain clear escape routes
- Always face traffic while working
- Always wear high-visibility clothing
- Report any unsafe conditions immediately
As a driver, it is also important to remember that most states have a slow down, move over law in place that requires drivers to move over one lane when approaching emergency service vehicles on the side of the road or slow down significantly below the posted speed limit if changing lanes isn’t possible.
By making more people aware of work zone safety, we can help ensure that all workers and pedestrians make it home.
