Work Zone Awareness Week

Spring is officially here. Roads are recovering from winter, bringing more potholes. Animals are becoming more active and crossing highways as the weather improves. There are still spring storms though, so be prepared for wind or rain. All these factors bring changes to the way drivers operate on the highways.

One of the biggest hazards of spring is the start of road construction season. In 1999, American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) helped create National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW). The overall purpose of NWZAW is to remind drivers to be more cautious while driving through work zones, due to increased risks.

Work zone crashes can be very costly and dangerous, often resulting in injury or even death. Studies of work zone crashes show that most can be avoided. Here are tips that drivers can follow to avoid these incidents:

1. Most construction zones are designed for passenger vehicles, not large semi-trucks. The lanes are narrow and have less shoulder space, due in part to the presence of construction vehicles. Narrower lanes also increase blind spots.
2. Complete a thorough pre-trip check and plan your route before leaving, for potential construction zones and detours. If you know there is a work zone on your route, leave early to have extra time. You do not want to break down in a construction zone since there may be no place to pull out of the traffic flow.
3. Remain alert. It is always important to remove distractions from the truck but especially avoid them in a work zone. Do not do anything that will take your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road, or your mind off driving while in a construction zone.
4. Slow down to a speed safe for conditions prior to entering a work zone. Position yourself in the proper lane prior to entering the work zone. This will allow you to visualize what is happening and prepare for any changes in the traffic pattern.
5. Increase your following distance from the vehicles in front of you. This will give you greater time to react and avoid a crash. Also keep a safe distance from construction workers and equipment on the side of the road.
6. If cars are trying to pass you, it may be safer to let them move ahead of you. Do not compete with other vehicles for position. Be patient and professional.
7. If you must make a lane change, do so safely. Signal your intentions to let others know what you are going to do. Merge as early as possible if lanes are restricted; never wait until the last minute.

This is not an all-inclusive list. As a professional driver, follow all your training and utilize your best judgment. The most important thing in a work zone is to keep yourself and other drivers on the road safe.