The Department of Transportation reminds all drivers to watch out for state, local and private sector employees who work on our roads within inches of passing vehicles. Extra attention and slower speeds while driving through construction zones are required for everyone’s safety. This is especially timely as road reconstruction work has recently begun on South College Avenue in Newark. Please be cautious and expect delays as you negotiate through the city.
Please see the FREAS SharePoint page under Safety for more information on this topic.
Extended Safety Message:
- More than 35,000 people are injured in work zones accidents annually.
- About 700 people, including over 100 workers, are killed every year in work zone accidents.
- Work zone is an area of a highway with construction, maintenance, or utility work activities.
- A work zone is typically marked by signs, channelizing devices, barriers, pavement markings, and work vehicles.
- While some work occurs at night the, majority of work zone crashes occur during daylight hours.
- Drivers using their cell phones are 4 TIMES more likely to be involved in a crash.
- Most work zone crashes are rearend collisions.
- Read and follow work zone signs.
- Pay attention to other drivers.
- Stay focused and avoid distractions such as mobile devices.
- Expect the unexpected, try to anticipate problems.
- Keep your cool. Be patient.
- When driving through work zones, even the smallest mistake can be deadly.
These simple work zone tips could save lives, including yours:
- Think Orange! When you see orange signs, cones and barrels, expect a roadside work zone ahead.
- Stay alert! Look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers.
- Pay attention. Work zone signs will tell you exactly what to expect ahead.
- Merge early. If drivers merge as soon as they see the signs, traffic will flow more smoothly.
- Slow down. You may encounter slowed or stopped traffic in an instant.
- Don’t follow too closely. Maintain a safe distance on all sides of your vehicle.
- Minimize distractions. Just because you might be driving slower doesn’t mean it’s a good time to check your text messages!
- Plan ahead. Expect delays and allow extra travel time. Select an alternate route if you are running late.