Work Zone Safety Information

Workzone Safety
Too many motorists and workers are seriously injured or killed in the workzone every year and most of the deaths are motorists. While you should always be alert and cautious when driving, it is especially important to be extra careful when entering a workzone. Safety is the top priority for all road construction workers and must be equally important for every person behind the wheel. The most important things to remember when entering the workzone are slow down and avoid anything that will distract you from concentrating on safe driving. By following a few simple steps, you can protect not only the lives of the construction workers but your own as well.

Safety Tips You Can Live By

• Always be aware that workers may be present. During construction season thousands of IDOT and private contractor personnel will be on the roads across the state. These workers will be on the job during the work week, as well as on weekends, and in some cases at night.
• Slow Down. Posted speed limits through work zones are not a suggestion. Obey all speed limit postings, they are there for your safety, as well as the workers. Dangers still exist in work zones even if workers are not present. The Illinois State Police have a zero tolerance policy against violations in work zones, and fines are doubled.
• Pay Attention. Traffic patterns in highway work zones can change several times a day. Even drivers familiar with a particular road or work zone should watch for new lane closures and changing traffic patterns. Don’t take anything for granted in a work zone. Expect the unexpected.
• Follow the Signs. Signs, arrowboards, and flaggers are not there to make your life more difficult. They're posted to help guide you safely and efficiently through the work zone. Merge early when approaching a work zone, don’t keep driving in the merge lane until the very last moment.
• Don’t follow too closely. One of the most common crashes in a work zone is a rear-end collision. Drivers should make sure they can safely stop their vehicle if traffic backs up. Be sure to allow at least two seconds of time between your vehicle and the one in front of you, and don't change lanes in a work zone.
• Be Patient! Most of the time work zones will require lane closures, so a driver will have to slow down well below the speed limit and should be prepared to stop if congestion is heavy or if construction equipment is being moved in the work zone. Impatience and anger will not get you through the work area any faster.
• Turn on Your Headlights. Workers and other motorists driving through the work zone need to see your vehicle. Truckers--use your emergency flashers to warn trailing motorists that you are slowing.