Let's slow down in the work zones.
I had a court appearance in Christian County today and a meeting in Branson. On the way there I passed through a small work zone. As I slowed down, a semi truck and a following SUV (driver was on the cell phone) came around and kept going at full speed without slowing at all. It was snowing and both motor vehicles came within a few feet of one of the workmen. As a testament to their bravery and probably the sheer number of times they are subjected to this danger, he casually moved out of the way. Amazing. Lets slow down and give these guys a break.
From MoDOT
In 2008, MoDOT will continue working toward improving 5,600 miles of roadway by the end of 2011, which will bring 85 percent of Missouri’s roadways up to good condition. Called Better Roads, Brighter Future, the program targets highways carrying 80 percent of all traffic on the state highway system – that’s 103 million miles traveled a day. These improvements mean many work zones across the state. We can manage our work zones, but we need your help to keep work zones safe.
Thank you for driving smart.
In 2007, 5 people were killed in work zones, which is a 74% decrease in deaths from 2006 when 19 people were killed. Thank you for driving smartly!
There were approximately 800 people injured in 2007 work zones, compared to 1,190 in 2006. This is a decrease of more than 30%.
Between 2002 and 2006, 113 people were killed and 6,582 people were injured in Missouri work zones.
Since 2000, eight MoDOT employees have been killed in work zones.
Inattention, exceeding the speed limit and following too closely are the leading causes of work-zone crashes.
The number one reason people die in traffic crashes in work zones and elsewhere is failure to wear safety belts. In 2007, of the 978 fatalities, 778 were occupant fatalities. Of the occupant fatalities, 67 percent of vehicle occupant fatalities were not wearing a seat belt.
Drive Smart in Work Zones to Arrive Alive
Here are some helpful tips:
Buckle Up! – Every trip, every time – safety belts save lives.
Stay Alert! – Dedicate your full attention to the roadway.
Follow Signs! – They’ll guide you through work zones safely.
Expect the Unexpected! – Watch for flaggers, workers and equipment.
Pay Attention! – Turn the radio down and don’t use your cellular phone.
Be Patient! – Remember workers are improving the road for future travels.
Don’t Speed!– Follow posted limits and adjust for weather conditions.
Don’t Drink and Drive! – Impairment of any kind is unacceptable.
Be Nice! – Merge early, don’t tailgate and don’t change lanes in a work zone.
Here's the three "S's" of managing work zones safely. Speed, Space and Stress. Handle these three factors and you're almost home free.
MANAGE YOUR SPEED:
Slow Down when approaching all work zones. You will be in the work zone quicker than you think.
Follow Posted Speed Limits, especially within construction zones, and try to maintain a consistent speed with the traffic flow. And adjust your speed for weather conditions.
Don't Resume Normal Speed until you see roadway signs indicating it's safe to do so.
MANAGE YOUR SPACE:
Leave Room. Leave adequate braking room between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. Count out at least two seconds from the time the car ahead of you passes an object and the time your own car passes that object. Also, keep a safe distance between your vehicle and traffic barriers, trucks, construction equipment and workers.
Don't Pass on the Shoulder. Don't drive across the median. This creates a very dangerous situation for you, construction workers and other motorists -- not to mention the steep fine.
Leave Yourself an Out. When stopped in traffic, leave a safety zone between you and the vehicle in front of you. A good rule of thumb is that when stopped in traffic you should be able to see the bottom of the tires of the vehicle in front of you.
Watch Out for Tailgaters. Do not force tailgaters to back off by slamming on your brakes or reducing your speed significantly. This practice can lead to road rage and increases the chances of a collision. When possible, pull over and let them pass. If this is not possible, turn your headlights on and off several times during daylight hours to illuminate your tail lights and warn tailgaters they are too close. If at night, lightly tap your brake pedal to illuminate your brake lights.
MANAGE YOUR STRESS:
Keep Your Cool. Calm down and don't rush. Remember, the temporary inconvenience of a construction zone will pay off with greatly improved roads soon.
Pay Attention. Avoid cell phone or radio distractions, as well as those of other stopped cars or construction.
Expect Delays. Use the MoDOT Work Zone map on this Web site and other available information to keep yourself informed about construction on your route. Leave a bit earlier, if necessary, to arrive at your destination on time. Consider using an alternate route that bypasses the construction zones.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a car crash accident, construction zone accident or other personal injury or workers compensation claim involving a driver charged with reckless driving in the Springfield, Branson, Lebanon, Southwest Missouri Northwest Arkansas area, contact The Krebs Law Firm LLC for a free consultation regarding your injury claims.
