Drivers Play Crucial Role In Work Zone Safety

JACKSON, Miss. (PRESS RELEASE) – The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) will join local, state and federal transportation officials across the country in participating in National Work Zone Awareness Week scheduled April 11-15 during Distracted Driving Awareness Month and Alcohol Awareness Month.

The theme this year, “Don’t Be That Driver,” will focus on the important role the driver plays in work zone safety as well as other road safety issues.

Work zones present an unfamiliar and potentially dangerous situation for many drivers, regardless of experience.

Given the unpredictable aspects of a work zone, it is imperative that all drivers are acutely alert and remain undistracted while traveling through a work zone area.

A driver distracted by an activity other than driving, such as using a cell phone or eating, is up to four times more likely to be involved in a crash.

Recent years have shown an increase in work zone related fatalities and injuries, many of which were a result of distracted driving.

In 2014, there were over 650 work zone fatalities reported nationally (13 percent increase from 2013).

There was also an increase in work zone injuries due to crashes totaling over 31,000 (nine percent increase from 2013).

Similarly, road worker fatalities also saw an increase of nine percent in 2014, totaling 116.

In Mississippi, there were eight fatalities reported in work zones; three of which were highway workers.

Given these sobering statistics, there is important work to be done by all parties involved to reach the goal of safer work zones and zero deaths on Mississippi’s roadways.

The driver plays a vital role in achieving both of these goals.

With over 80 percent of work zone casualties being either driver or vehicle passengers, MDOT urges drivers to be attentive to changing roadway conditions and exercise extreme caution while driving through work zones keeping their safety as well as the safety of road workers in mind.

While safety should be the first priority, drivers should also consider the penalties for driving incorrectly in a work zone on state highways ($250 first offense, fine doubled every subsequent offense).

“There are several safety features our engineers and road crews install when setting up work zones including signs, orange cones and flag people,” said MDOT Executive Director Melinda McGrath.

“These visual cues are strategically placed well in advance of the work zone to give the motorist ample time to prepare for the changing conditions. We ask that motorists acknowledge these advanced warnings, stay alert and obey any work zone signs when approaching and traveling through a work area to help bring Mississippi toward zero deaths on highways.”

MDOT offers the following tips for driving safely in work zones.

• Stay alert! Look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers.
• Pay attention. Work zone signs will tell you exactly what to expect ahead.
• Merge early. If drivers merge as soon as they see the signs, traffic will flow more smoothly.
• Slow down. If you’re speeding, you may encounter slowed or stopped traffic within seconds.
• Don’t tailgate. Maintain a safe distance on all sides of your vehicle.
• Plan ahead. Expect delays and allow extra travel time. Select an alternate route if you are running late.
• Slow down when approaching a work zone at night. Visibility can be difficult due to the glare of oncoming headlights. Slowing down and proceeding with caution will allow for everyone to stay safe.

The driver is a major component in work zone safety management.

Spreading awareness of the driver’s important role in work zones and encouraging safer driving practices are major steps in creating a safer environment for motorists as well as workers on Mississippi roadways.

“It is critical while on our road system that drivers keep their safety in mind as well as the men and women who put their lives on the line everyday so that we can travel safely,” said Commissioners Dick Hall, Tom King and Mike Tagert, from the Mississippi Transportation Commission.

“Work zones are their office; and like any citizen, they have families who would like to see them return home safe.”

For more information, visit GoMDOT.com/drivesmartms and visit our fallen worker memorial.

Join the national conversation using #NWZAW or locally using #drivesmartms.