While Driving in a Work Zone...
Nine Simple Rules for Driving Safely in the Zone
Drivers are encouraged to follow these simple rules when driving through a work zone:
Minimize distractions
Avoid activities when driving such as using cell phones, changing radio stations, eating or engaging in any activity that takes your eyes off the roadway.
Pay close attention
Signs and work zone flaggers save lives.
Turn on your headlights
Workers and other motorists must see you.
Don't tailgate
Unexpected stops frequently occur in work zones.
Don't speed
Note the speed limits in and around the work zone.
Keep up with traffic flow
Dedicate your full attention to the road and those traveling around you.
Don't change lanes in the work zone
The time saved just isn't worth it.
Expect the unexpected
Keep an eye out for workers and their equipment.
Be patient
Remember, the work zone crewmembers are working to improve your future travels.
Get Involved!
During National Work Zone Awareness Week, you may be asking, “How can I participate?” The most important thing you can do is get involved and let your actions be seen and voice be heard.
The following are ways you can easily become involved:
- Write a letter to your local newspaper about the dangers motorists present to work crews. Stress that motorists need to:
- Slow down
- Pay attention
- Obey traffic control devices
- Look out for our workers
- Wear an orange ribbon during the week. This opens the door to conversations and leads to opportunities to talk about the week with others.
- Minimize distractions. Avoid changing radio stations and using mobile phones or navigation devices while driving in a work zone.
To raise National Work Zone Awareness Week to the next level, it takes all of us doing our part by making a commitment to get involved to have our message heard and understood. The more voices we have, the greater impact we have in asking motorists to slow down and drive responsibly through work zones. We all need to play an active role in raising driver awareness about work zones, which should result in increased safety for workers, motorists and pedestrians.
Cheating Death
For dramatic footage of a VDOT employee’s narrow escape from injury or death in a work zone, watch this video (WMV, :51, 1.5MB), transcript (PDF, 93 KB)
