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.

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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.)        

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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