10 TIPS FOR DRIVING IN WORK ZONES
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Expect the unexpected. Things may change overnight. Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be closed, narrowed or shifted, and people may be working on or near the road.
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Don’t speed. Obey the posted speed limit at all times, even when workers are not present.
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Don’t tailgate. Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you, construction workers and their equipment. Rear-end collisions account for 30% of work zone crashes.
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Obey road crew flaggers and pay attention to signs. The flagger knows what is best for moving traffic safely in the work zone. The warning signs are there to help you and other drivers move safely through.
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Stay alert and minimize distractions. Dedicate your full attention to the roadway and avoid changing radio stations or using cell phones and other electronics while approaching and driving in a work zone.
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Keep up with the traffic flow. Do not slow down to “gawk” at road work.
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Know before you go. Check radio, TV and websites for traffic information and schedule enough time to drive safely. Expect delays and leave early so you can reach your destination on time.
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Be patient and stay calm. Work zones aren’t there to personally inconvenience you. Remember, the work zone crew members are working to improve the road and make your future drive better.
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Wear your seatbelt. It is your best defense in a crash.
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Remember – work zone crew members are fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers and sisters. They have families, and want to come home safe each day!
FACT SHEET – 2014 WORK ZONE SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK
Update or localize these statistics with data from Roadsoft.
• Work zone statistics from 2012:
o 609 traffic-related fatalities (19 more compared to the 590 in 2011)
o 32,000 injuries (8,000 less compared to the 40,000 in 2011)
o 130 worker fatalities (8 more compared to the 122 in 2011)
o 132 fatal crashes involving large trucks or buses (18 less compared to the 150 in 2011)
• 85-90% of work zone fatalities involve motorists and their occupants, and 10-15% involves workers and other non-motorized users, annually.
• Speeding was involved in 36% of fatal crashes in work zones in 2011.
• Rear-end collisions account for 30% of work zones crashes.
• The severity of a crash nearly doubles for every 10 mi/h change in impact speed. There is a 5% chance of a pedestrian dying when struck at 20 mi/h compared to 95% at 40 mi/h.
• If you are caught speeding in work zones in Michigan, fines are doubled and additional points added against your driver license.
• Causing the injury of another person in a work zone is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and $1,000 in fines. Causing the death of a person in a work zone is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and $7,500 in fines.
