Capital Improvements Program

The most common crash in a highway work zone is a rear-end collision, and the two major reasons for work zone crashes are speeding and inattentive driving. The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse lists the following tips for drivers in highway construction work zones.

Slow down. Pay attention.
Avoid complacency. Don't become oblivious to work zone signs when the work is long term or widespread.
Calm down. Work zones aren't there to personally inconvenience you. They're there to improve the roads for everyone.
Heed the warning signs and symbols.
Merge as soon as possible. Motorists can help maintain traffic flow and posted speeds by moving to the appropriate lane at first notice of an approaching work zone.
Slow down when the signs say to. A car traveling 60 mph travels 88 feet per second. If you see a sign that reads "Road Work 1,500 feet," you'll be in that construction zone in 17 seconds.
Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and traffic barriers, trucks, construction equipment and workers.
Normal driving conditions do not exist in and around work zones. Anticipate events and be ready to respond quickly.
Some work zones-like line painting, road patching and mowing-are mobile. Just because you don't see the workers immediately after you see the warning signs doesn't mean they're not out there. Observe the posted signs until you see the one that says "End Road Work."

Pay attention to your surroundings. This is not the time to use the cellular phone, change the radio station or fill out the expense report.

Leave braking room between you and the car in front of you.

Try an alternate route, if possible.

Expect delays; plan for them and leave early to reach your destination on time.

Reprinted with permission from S&C Public Relations and the Federal Highway Administration.
For more information, visit the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse website.