Construction season is in full swing. Construction work zones play a key role in maintaining and upgrading our roadways to make your future drive better. Work zone incidents impact everyone. Drivers, passengers and construction workers are all at risk. Your driving habits can directly help – or harm – the well-being of other motorists, cyclists, workers, and pedestrians. It is important for everyone to do their part to improve work zone safety. Work zone safety is everybody’s responsibility.
Protect yourselves and others, slow down whenever you see flashing lights, or move over if possible, to leave the lane beside the work zone open. When you enter a work zone be patient. Slow down, pay attention to your surroundings. These tips can help you get in and out of a work zone safely:
• Stay alert and eliminate distractions like eating, drinking, talking on the phone or using electronic devices. Did you know in Wisconsin it is illegal to talk on a handheld mobile device while driving in a work zone?
• Obey Road Crews and Signs – The flagger knows what is best for moving traffic safely in the work zone. A flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign. Did you know you can be cited for disobeying his or her directions?
• Expect the unexpected – The area you drove through yesterday may look different today. Traffic patterns can change and people and vehicles may be working on or near the road.
• Slow down and allow more braking distance – Give yourself room between you and other vehicles. Rear-end collisions are the most common work zone crashes – so don’t tailgate.
• Be patient – If you don’t see workers, that doesn’t mean they’re not there. Observe all work zone signs until you see the one that says you’ve left the work zone.
• Plan ahead – Leave early or plan an alternate route.
Driving safely protects people on the road and the passengers in your car. Driving safely protects you!
If you have questions, contact the Department of Public Infrastructure, Engineering Division at 686-6910.