Driver-Alert
Zone Safety Tips
The West
Virginia Department of Transportation and its highway construction
contractors are dedicated to providing safe work zones for motorists
and workers. For your safety and that of other motorists and highway
workers: Pay Attention!
• Watch for warning
signs and symbols like "Give 'Em a Brake."
• This is no time for using cell phones, changing the radio
station or filling out expense forms.
• Traffic fines may be doubled for violations in work zones.
Slow Down!
• Follow
posted speed limits. A car traveling 60 mph covers 88 feet per second.
When you see the sign for “Road Work 1500 feet,”
you’ll be in that construction zone in 17 seconds.
• Workers and equipment may be very close to traffic lanes.
• Lane widths are often reduced.
• Detours may be required.
• Road surface may be rough and bumpy.
"Reserve” Your
Space!
• Merge into
the appropriate lane as soon as possible after the first notice--it
helps maintain traffic flow and posted speeds.
• Leave enough room between your car and the one in front
of you to be able to brake safely.
• Maintain
a safe distance between your car and construction workers, trucks,
equipment and traffic barriers.
Don’t “Zone Out!”
• Don’t let complacency make you oblivious to work-zone
signs when work is long-term or widespread.
Expect Delays!
• Slowdowns may happen. You can reach your destination on
time by leaving early or using an alternate route.
Keep Your Cool!
•
Calm down
and don’t rush.
• A work zone is a sign of improvements, not a personal
inconvenience.
Don’t Be a Statistic!
•
West Virginia’s top work-zone accident (559 out of
968 over the last two years) was rear-end collision.
Buckle Up.
• West Virginia law requires it.
• Small children must be restrained in child safety seats.
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