‘Drive Like You Work Here’ during National Work Zone Awareness Week

Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Transportation joined together to mark the start of National Work Zone Awareness Week in an effort to keep roadside workers safe.

“Just like Ohio’s drivers, road construction workers want to make it home safe at the end of each day,” said Gov. DeWine. “Accidents in construction zones are fully preventable when drivers use caution and slow down; doing so could save a life.”

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Last year, four construction workers were killed while working along roads in Ohio, and the top factor is following too closely and speed.

“Drivers should always give their full attention to the road, but work zones require even more attention from drivers,” said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks. “Please keep our workers safe as they work to keep you safe.”

Here are some safety tips for driving in work zones:

• Plan ahead – Work zones account for an estimated 10 percent of overall congestion and nearly 24 percent of unexpected freeway delays so expect delays, plan for them, and leave early to reach your destination on time. When you can, avoid work zones altogether by using alternate routes.
• Obey road crews and signs – When approaching a work zone, watch for cones, barrels, signs, large vehicles, or workers in bright-colored vests to warn you and direct you where you go.
• Slow down – Look for signs indicating the speed limit through the work zone, keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you, and follow the posted speed limit.
• Move over – Ohio law requires you to move over a lane when passing work crews, emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or any other vehicle parked on the shoulder with flashing warning lights. If you can't, drivers should slow down.
• Avoid distractions – Keep your eyes on the road and off your phone.
• Watch for sudden stoppages – Watch for large vehicles and don't make sudden lane changes in front of trucks that are trying to slow down.