Be sure to continue to read the Friday Safety Briefs the April 1st issue is all about Distracted Driving and the April 8th issue is about Work Zone Safety.
Work Zone Safety. Who is responsible?
Everyone. We all are responsible for driving, walking, and biking, safely through work zones. The engineers and planners have the responsibility to make sure the work zone is designed and operating properly — with safety in mind. Drivers and pedestrians have the responsibility to always be alert and obey the traffic laws. Passengers should always buckle up and act responsibly. The police and the courts have the responsibility to make sure that the traffic and work zone laws are enforced. Public safety agencies have the responsibility of responding to and securing crash locations and enforcing traffic laws. Local communities and county and state governments need to allocate funding for safe roads and increase public awareness about work zone safety. Not only do the warmer temperatures provide us with perfect weather for grilling again, it’s also the kick start of the spring and summer road construction. Not only can the construction cause delays in your travel, but it can also cause safety hazards.
Here are a few tips to drive safely in work zones:
- Expect the unexpected
- Slow down
- Don’t tailgate
- Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead
- Obey road crew flaggers
- Stay alert and minimize distractions
- Keep up with traffic flow
- Schedule enough time to drive safely and check radio, TV and the web for traffic information
- Pay attention to the signs
