This is National Work Zone Awareness Week; April 4-8

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

This is National Work Zone Awareness Week; April 4-8

Drivers across Virginia are likely to see a lot more highway work zones in the coming months and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) wants drivers to recognize how important their actions are to keep those work areas safe.

VDOT is advancing hundreds of new construction, maintenance and operations projects, and as those projects move to construction the resulting work zones will affect drivers across the state. Motorists will encounter those projects in every part of the state and on all parts of the highway system, from busy urban interstates to local secondary roads in more rural areas.

This week, April 4 through April 8 is National Work Zone Awareness Week. VDOT will join other state and federal transportation agencies as well as the highway contracting community to educate motorists about the important role they play in keeping themselves and highway workers safe while driving through highway work zones.

VDOT offers the following tips for motorists to increase safety as they navigate highway work zones:

Follow the signs. Orange signs with black lettering should alert you on the approach to a work zone. Signs and flaggers will direct you through the work zone. Expect changes in traffic patterns as the project progresses.
Turn on your headlights. Workers and other motorists must see you.
Don't tailgate. Unexpected stops frequently occur in work zones.
Don't speed. Note the speed limits in and around the work zone. Enhanced fines of up to $500 may be levied for speeding in a work zone.
Keep up with traffic flow. Dedicate your full attention to the road and those traveling around you.
Don't change lanes in the work zone. The time saved just isn't worth it.
Minimize distractions. Avoid changing radio stations and using mobile phones in the work zone.
Stay alert, expect the unexpected. Keep an eye out for workers and their equipment.
Be patient. Remember, the construction or maintenance crewmembers are working to improve the highway, and the safety and comfort of your future travels.
Call 511. Receive up-to-the-minute traffic and weather information from any telephone in Virginia. Before you travel, log on to www.511Virginia.org for road and traffic conditions, weather forecasts and live traffic cameras on many major highways.