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Stay Safe in Construction Zones  As construction work moves into full gear on the Chisholm Trail Parkway and the NTTA continues work on other projects around the Metroplex, drivers will encounter a number of work zones.
Work zones, whether for construction or roadway maintenance, require extra attention and extreme caution. Drivers should pay special attention to workers, equipment and traffic control devices, as well as other motorists who may be confused by the construction zone.
Roadway work can be dangerous, and drivers going through work zones also face increased risk. According to the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse, nearly 700 people were killed in work zone crashes across the United States in 2009 (the most recent year for which data is available), and Texas had more work zone fatalities than any other state.
When traveling through work zones, follow these tips provided by the American Road and Transportation Builders Association and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation:
- Eliminate distractions: Drinking, eating, using a cell phone or adjusting radio settings all take attention away from the road long enough for serious mistakes to occur.
- Expect the unexpected: Speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed, and people may be working on or near the road.
- Slow down: A car traveling at 60 mph travels 88 feet per second. The faster you are driving, the longer it takes to stop.
- Read caution signs: Don’t assume that the same traffic switches or road conditions are in effect as the last time you traveled through that work zone. Construction schedules call for frequent changes.
- Give yourself room: Rear-end collisions are the most common type of accident in work zones.
- Plan ahead: Leave early or map out an alternate route so you don’t feel pressured to speed.
- Be patient: If you don’t see workers, that doesn’t mean they aren’t there.
And remember, Texas enforces increased penalties for drivers who ignore posted speed limits in work zones where workers are present. A traffic ticket will cost more in posted work zones when workers are in the area.
Safety is no accident. Follow these safety tips and dial 9-1-1 to report unsafe drivers or conditions.
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