Work Zone Safety for Drivers
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![Picture of a construction zone on a bridge](images/BARRIER_.JPG)
This brochure provides information to drivers on work zone safety.
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
Listen to the signs.
![Road Work Ahead sign](images/rwa.gif)
Road work is just ahead. Be prepared for unusual driving conditions.
![Two Way sign](images/twoway.gif)
Traffic is traveling in both directions on a roadway that is normally one way. Be alert for oncoming traffic.
![PilotCar Follow Me sign](images/pilotcar.gif)
Traffic needs to follow this vehicle to get safely through the work zone.
![Merge sign](images/merge.gif)
A lane is about to end, requiring you to merge into the adjacent lane. The "bent" lane shows which lane is ending.
![Flag Man sign](images/flagman.gif)
A flagger is ahead. Be prepared to stop and/or follow instructions.
![Detour sign](images/detour.gif)
You will need to take an alternate route soon.
![End Road Work sign](images/erw.gif)
You have reached the end of the work zone. Resume normal, safe driving.
Most Common Types of Crashes by Work Zone Area
![diagram of cars near workzone: 4 areas; Advance warning area-tells traffic what to expect, transition area-moves traffic out of path, Activity area-where work takes place, and Termination area-traffic resumes normal operations](images/drivdiag.jpg)
Problem:
A driver in clear weather during mid-afternoon comes upon slow or stopped traffic due to a work zone and crashes into another vehicle, or in the process of avoiding such, crashes into a barrier, equipment or pedestrian.
Solution:
Follow the "Safety Tips"
Drive Smart:
Buckle Up, Slow Down, Save a Life
FHWA-SA-03-012