WORK
ZONE AWARENESS PROMOTED
LITTLE
ROCK (4-7) – National Work Zone Awareness Week is being recognized across
the country this week, according to Dan Flowers, director of the
Arkansas State Highway
and Transportation Department (AHTD) and Tommy Fish, executive vice president
of the
Arkansas
Chapter of the Associated General Contractors. AHTD will display signs of work
zone safety at the front of their building on Wednesday, April 8 as a reminder
to “Drive to Survive, Our Future is Riding on It” – the national slogan.
“Who
is responsible for work zone safety?” asks Flowers. “The answer is everyone.
We are all responsible for designing projects, enforcing laws and responsibly
driving through work zones with safety being the main concern.”
“The
workers certainly deserve a work zone as safe as possible to conduct their
business,” adds Fish. “Everyone has to take responsibility for work zone
safety.”
It
is important for drivers to note that as warm weather returns, so does the
construction season. More and more work zones will spring up in
Ark
ansas
and all across the county in the coming weeks.
Highway
officials expect a larger than normal crowd for the April Highway Commission
meeting, as bids are opened on the first round of “stimulus” money projects.
The Commission meeting begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by two bid lettings at
10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
#####
10
Tips for Driving Safely in Work Zones
- EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED! (Normal speed limits may be
reduced, traffic lanes may be changed, and people may be working on or near
the road.)
- SLOW DOWN! (Speeding is one of the major
causes of work zone crashes.)
- DON'T TAILGATE! KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE BETWEEN YOU AND THE
CAR AHEAD OF YOU. (The most common crash in a highway work zone is the rear
end collision. So, don't tailgate.)
- KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE BETWEEN YOUR VEHICLE AND THE
CONSTRUCTION WORKERS AND THEIR EQUIPMENT.
- PAY ATTENTION TO THE SIGNS! (The warning signs are there
to help you and other drivers move safely through the work zone. Observe
the posted signs until you see the one that says you've left the work zone.)
- OBEY ROAD CREW FLAGGERS! (The flagger knows what
is best for moving traffic safely in the work zone. A flagger has the
same authority as a regulatory sign, so you can be cited for disobeying his
or her directions.)
- STAY ALERT AND MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS! (Dedicate
your full attention to the roadway and avoid changing radio stations or
using cell phones while driving in a work zone.
- KEEP UP WITH THE TRAFFIC FLOW. (Motorists can help
maintain traffic flow and posted speeds by merging as soon as possible.
Don't drive right up to the lane closure and then try barge in.)
- SCHEDULE ENOUGH TIME TO DRIVE SAFELY AND CHECK RADIO, TV
AND WEBSITES FOR TRAFFIC INFORMATION. (Expect delays and leave early so you
can reach your destination on time. Check the National Work Zone
Safety Information Clearinghouse - http://wzsafety.tamu.edu
- for information on work zone delays throughout the country.)
- BE PATIENT AND STAY CALM. (Work zones aren't there
to personally inconvenience you. Remember, the work zone crew members
are working to improve the road and make your future drive better.)
#####
For Further Information Contact:
Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department
10324 Interstate 30, Little Rock, AR 72209
Tel:
501-569-2000
FAX: 501-569-2400
e-mail:
info@arkansashighways.com
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