You've seen them. The workers in the bright construction vests, repairing roads and directing traffic. Their efforts are crucial for keeping travelers safe and our economy moving forward. But they are more than that, they are someone’s spouse, parent, child, sibling and friend, and they all deserve to go home safely to their families at the end of their shift. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case for many of them. Workers have faced close calls, serious injuries or death due to drivers' reckless actions in work zones.
Each year, more than 6,000 motor vehicle crashes occur in Illinois work zones, resulting in more than 1,600 injuries and countless deaths. Speeding and distracted driving contribute to more than half of all work zone crashes.
As the construction season ramps up drivers should take greater care when traveling through a construction zone and follow these work zone safety tips:
WATCH FOR WORKERS
Keep an eye out for the safety colors of neon orange and yellow that all workers wear when on the roads.
SLOW DOWN WHETHER OR NOT WORKERS ARE PRESENT
Reduced speed limits are often posted in work zones to protect workers and equipment. Make sure you obey these limits and slow down when approaching a work zone. This will give you more time to react to any hazards that may arise.
DON'T TAILGATE
One of the most common crashes in a work zone is a rear-end collision. Traffic in work zones makes sudden stops. Maintain a safe following distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This will give you more time to react if the vehicle in front of you stops suddenly.
STAY IN YOUR LANE
Avoid changing lanes in a work zone unless absolutely necessary. Changing lanes can be dangerous and disrupt the flow of traffic.
AVOID DISTRACTIONS
Work zones can be chaotic and require your full attention. Avoid using your phone, eating or other distractions that could take your attention away from the road. Remember, using a hand-held phone to talk, text or scroll while driving is illegal in Illinois. Keep your eyes on the road and off your phone.
PAY ATTENTION
Pay attention to signs and flaggers: Work zones are usually marked with cones, barrels, and signs to guide traffic. Be sure to follow these instructions and keep an eye out for flaggers who may be directing traffic.
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
Be prepared for lane shifts, uneven road surfaces, or equipment entering and exiting the work area. Stay focused and anticipate changes in traffic patterns.
BE PATIENT AND STAY CALM
Work zones can cause delays and disruptions to traffic flow. Stay patient and calm and avoid aggressive driving behaviors.
Penalties for speeding in a work zone are steep and hitting a worker in a work zone can land you in prison. The minimum penalty for speeding in a work zone is $250 for the first offense and $750 minimum for a second offense. Hitting a worker in a work zone could result in a fine of up to $25,000 and up to 14 years in jail.
A work zone can take many forms: A maintenance crew patching potholes or collecting litter, a major interstate reconstruction, a minor repair on a neighborhood street or a utility company out in the field. If you see work zone, slow down and follow the safety tips above to ensure everyone gets to go home to their families.
Each year, more than 6,000 motor vehicle crashes occur in Illinois work zones, resulting in more than 1,600 injuries and countless deaths. Speeding and distracted driving contribute to more than half of all work zone crashes.
As the construction season ramps up drivers should take greater care when traveling through a construction zone and follow these work zone safety tips:
WATCH FOR WORKERS
Keep an eye out for the safety colors of neon orange and yellow that all workers wear when on the roads.
SLOW DOWN WHETHER OR NOT WORKERS ARE PRESENT
Reduced speed limits are often posted in work zones to protect workers and equipment. Make sure you obey these limits and slow down when approaching a work zone. This will give you more time to react to any hazards that may arise.
DON'T TAILGATE
One of the most common crashes in a work zone is a rear-end collision. Traffic in work zones makes sudden stops. Maintain a safe following distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This will give you more time to react if the vehicle in front of you stops suddenly.
STAY IN YOUR LANE
Avoid changing lanes in a work zone unless absolutely necessary. Changing lanes can be dangerous and disrupt the flow of traffic.
AVOID DISTRACTIONS
Work zones can be chaotic and require your full attention. Avoid using your phone, eating or other distractions that could take your attention away from the road. Remember, using a hand-held phone to talk, text or scroll while driving is illegal in Illinois. Keep your eyes on the road and off your phone.
PAY ATTENTION
Pay attention to signs and flaggers: Work zones are usually marked with cones, barrels, and signs to guide traffic. Be sure to follow these instructions and keep an eye out for flaggers who may be directing traffic.
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
Be prepared for lane shifts, uneven road surfaces, or equipment entering and exiting the work area. Stay focused and anticipate changes in traffic patterns.
BE PATIENT AND STAY CALM
Work zones can cause delays and disruptions to traffic flow. Stay patient and calm and avoid aggressive driving behaviors.
Penalties for speeding in a work zone are steep and hitting a worker in a work zone can land you in prison. The minimum penalty for speeding in a work zone is $250 for the first offense and $750 minimum for a second offense. Hitting a worker in a work zone could result in a fine of up to $25,000 and up to 14 years in jail.
A work zone can take many forms: A maintenance crew patching potholes or collecting litter, a major interstate reconstruction, a minor repair on a neighborhood street or a utility company out in the field. If you see work zone, slow down and follow the safety tips above to ensure everyone gets to go home to their families.