Work Zone Awareness Week

Last week - April 6 thru 10 - was designated as National Work Zone Awareness Week. Informational items were distributed at various locations to promote work zone safety to highway motorists. Some of the most important information bears repeating.

IN WORK ZONES:

Understand where a work zone begins and ends and that reduced speeds are required. Watch for signs posted a minimum of 1/2 mile in advance of a construction zone. Reduce speed to the posted limit, usually 45 mph.

Slow down even when workers are not present. You must obey construction work zone speed limits as posted, not just when workers are in sight. The minimum penalty for speeding in a work zone is $375.00.

Don't tailgate. Rear end collisions are the most common work zone incident. In addition, traffic in work zones frequently stops suddenly.

Merge early. It is common for drivers to wait until the last possible moment to merge. This action creates a crash hazard and is also responsible for many work zone backups.

Expect the unexpected. Traffic patterns tend to change frequently in construction zones. Also watch for workers on or near the active roadway.

Stay alert and minimize distractions. Avoid using cell phones, eating, adjusting the radio, or any other activity that takes your attention away from driving.

Penalties for hitting a worker are severe...14 years in jail and a $10.000.00 fine.

IN TOLL PLAZAS:

Watch your speed and obey posted speed limit signs. This is for the safety of drivers and workers because lanes are more narrow than highway lanes and workers may be present.

Slow down when entering or leaving toll plazas. Obey speed limits and stop as required in cash and automatic ramp lanes. Be alert for slower moving or stopped traffic and allow plenty of time to reduce your speed. Never stop in an I-PASS ONLY lane. All cash lanes must stop as required by law.

Stay in your lane when entering/leavingtoll plazas. Solid lines indicate when it is illegal to change lanes. Pay attention to overhead signs and pavement markings when approaching a plaza and stay in the lane you choose. Switching lanes close to a plaza is unsafe.