Construction may lead to destruction

AHHH summer time, no school, vacations, days at the beach, iced tea and plenty of sunshine. It is also the time of year that blaze orange and neon green become more fashionable, but in the form of barrels, cones and safety vest. It's road construction season. With this comes an increased danger to motorist, yes motorist. You ask why not the workers? well as we have posted before (june 21 09) the congestion, slow moving equipment, restricted lane sizes and sometimes confusing directional signs can be cause for an incident.

Work zone safety is a growing concern. In 2007, 835 people were killed in vehicles crashes in work zones, making a 2% accountability for all roadway fatalities, additionally more than 40,000 injuries were reported. The Federal Highway Administration reports that a work zone fatality occurs about every 10 hrs somewhere on our highways, 3 out of 4 of these ARE NOT part of the work crew and about 23% involve large trucks.

Speeding is the major cause of work zone incidents and the leading hazard for workers. Being struck by a vehicle is only one concern, but flying debris from loose gravel can really cause them harm. Speeds in a work zone are usually significantly lower than other controlled areas for this simple reason. A vehicle traveling 60 MPH passes a warning sign indicating a work zone ahead 1500 feet, it will be in that zone in 17 seconds! Drivers need to pay full attention to ALL traffic control devices. In many states fines for infractions in work zones are steep and usually double when workers are present.

Safety in work zones is crucial. We would offer these tips to help make passing through these areas a safer place for vehicles and workers.

-Pay attention to ALL posted signs indicating work zone areas and what you may encounter while passing through, such as flaggers, trucks turning and lane closures.
-Avoid distractions such as eating or drinking, adjusting the radio and cellphone use.
-If a lane closure is indicated, move to the appropriate lane as soon as possible.
-Watch for moving road work such as painting, mowing or top coating. These operations may not be near the initial warnings.
-REDUCE YOUR SPEED. Observe all posted signs until you see one that indicates you have left the work zone.
-Be extra cautious when directed to a detour. These routes can be rough, narrow and even lead through residential ares.

A 2007 fatality analysis report, list the states with the most work zone fatalities involving motor vehicles: Texas 124, Florida 80, California 80, and Georgia with 65 top the list. Some of the states with the least, each having just 1, are Alaska, Delaware, North & South Dakota and Utah.

In the end, the moral is to stay HYPER aware when driving and be prepared for anything. Driving is your personal responsibility when you are behind the wheel.
Highway workers and their families appreciate your cooperation in this matter and other motorist enjoy the smooth transition into and out of work zones, as to reduce the delay time. Harmony offers many courses to help educate all drivers, there's even a course for habitual bumper benders, but we prefer teaching the preventative and preparedness type. Please tell your employers, insurance agents and family about us and encourage them to offer or attend one of our courses.

Thanks for reading and Remember, those orange devices are not worth points for hitting them!