Work Zone Safety for Drivers

Creating Safer Work Zones:
Improving Operations on Both Sides of the Barrel

Facts

• During the past 5 years in work zone crashes more than:
  
  
  • 4,400 persons died (85 percent of which was the driver or passenger)
    
    
  • 200,000 persons were injured
    
    
• Drivers are the most frequent fatality in work zone crashes
  
  
• Most work zone fatalities involve working-age adults
  
  
• Rear-end crashes (running into the rear of a slowing or stopping vehicle) are the most common type of work zone crash.

• Fatal work zone crashes occur most often in summer and fall.
  
  
• The majority of fatal work zone crashes occurred on roads with speed limits greater than 50 mph.
  
  
• Stopping distance for motor vehicles at 50 mph:
  
  
  • Dry roadway~300 ft
    
    
  • Wet roadway~400 ft
    
    
  • Icy pavement~1250 ft
    
    
• A loaded 80,000 lb. tractor-trailer requires almost 50% more stopping distance.
  
  
• It takes only an extra 25 seconds to cover 1 mile at 45 mph compared to 65 mph.

Safety Tips for the Driver

Remember these driving tips to avoid "A Sudden Change in Plans" and perhaps save a lifeincluding your own!

Stay Alert and Minimize Distractions

• Dedicate your full attention to the roadway
  
  
• Avoid changing the radio station, using a mobile phone, eating, or other distractions that can remove your concentration from the road

Keep Your Headlights On

Pay Attention to the Road

• "Listen to the signs"
  
  
• Watch brake lights on vehicles ahead
  
  
• Watch traffic around you and be prepared to react

Merge into the Proper Lane

• Merge well before you reach the lane closure
  
  
• Be aware that traffic patterns can change daily

Don't tailgate

• Follow other vehicles at a safe distance

Obey the Posted Speed Limit

• Workers may be present just feet away
  
  
• Fines may be doubled for moving traffic violations
  
  
• Be prepared to slow down further if conditions indicate the need

Change Lanes Safely

• Change lanes only where pavement markings indicate, and only when traffic conditions permit

Follow Instructions from Flaggers

Expect the Unexpected

• Workers, work vehicles, or equipment may enter your lane without warning
  
  
• Other vehicles may slow, stop, or change lanes unexpectedly

Be Patient