ADOT is reminding drivers to be safe in work zones, as this week is National Work Zone Awareness Week. Across the country, drivers and passengers account for 80 percent of work zone traffic deaths every year. ADOT is launching a work zone safety campaign, “The Vest Knows Best,” to keep drivers and construction crews safe. ADOT recommends drivers follow these tips when traveling through a work zone:
- Pay attention: Observe and obey posted warning signs, as well as flaggers. You can be cited for disobeying a flagger’s directions.
- Expect the unexpected: Speed limits might be lowered, travel lanes could be narrowed or eliminated and people may be working near your travel lane.
- Slow down: Speeding is one of the leading causes of work zone crashes.
- Merge safely: Do it early and carefully or as directed by signage instead of barging into a line of vehicles at the last moment.
- Don’t tailgate: The most common crash in a work zone is the rear-end collision. Don’t follow too closely and, again, slow your speed.
