Signs, cones keep you safe in the zone

  • Published
  • By Rod Krause
  • 5th Bomb Wing Ground Safety
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  With nearly 40 percent increase in work zone fatalities between 1998 and 2006, work zone safety is a growing roadway safety concern. In 2008, there were 831 work zone fatalities, a decline of 13 percent from 2007. Also, four out of every five work zone fatalities were motorists. One work zone fatal¬ity happens every 8.2 hours (three a day) and one work zone injury every nine minutes (160 a day).

Here are 10 tips for driving safely in work zones:

· Expect the unexpected. Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed and people may be working on or near the road
· Slow down. Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes.
· Don't tailgate. Keep a safe distance. The most common crash in a highway work zone is the rear end collision.
· Pay attention to the signs. The warning signs are there to help drivers move safely through the work zone. Observe posted signs until one states that drivers have left the work zone.
· Obey road crew flaggers. The flaggers know what is best for moving traffic safely in the work zone. A flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign, so a driver can be cited for disobeying his or her directions.
· Stay alert and minimize distractions. Drivers should dedicate their full attention to the roadway and avoid changing radio sta¬tions or using cell phones while driving in a work zone.
· Keep up with traffic flow. Motorists can maintain traffic flow and posted speeds by merging as soon as possible. Don't drive right up to the lane closure and then try to barge in.
· Scheduling enough time to drive safely and check radio, TV and Web sites for traffic information. Expect delays and leave early. Check the National Work Zone Safety Informa-tion Clearinghouse for information on work zone delays throughout the country at  http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/index.htm.
· Be patient and stay calm. Work zones aren't there to personally inconvenience the driver. Remember, the work zone crew members are working to improve the road and make the future drive better.