With the arrival of warmer weather months, so too, comes the appearance of more work zones along our community roads. Follow these important tips to ensure you are doing the most to ensure a safe work zone for GLE lineworkers and other work crews along the roadside. Together we can improve safety on both sides of the barrels. Remembering these driving tips could save a life — including your own!
Fast facts
- Drivers are the most frequent fatality in work zone crashes.
- Rear-end crashes (running into the rear of a slowing or stopping vehicle) are the most common type of work zone crash.
- Stopping distance for motor vehicles at 50 mph:
– Dry roadway ~ 300 ft
– Wet roadway ~ 400 ft
– Icy pavement ~ 1250 ft - A loaded 80,000 lb. tractor-trailer requires almost 50% more stopping distance.
Safety tips
Minimize distractions.
• Avoid changing the radio station, using a mobile phone, eating, or other distractions that can remove your concentration from the road.
Stay alert and pay attention to the road.
• Obey the signs.
• Watch brake lights on vehicles ahead. • Watch traffic around you and be prepared to react.
Don’t tailgate.
• Follow other vehicles at a safe distance.
Obey the posted speed limit.
• Workers may be present just feet away.
• Fines may be doubled for moving traffic violations.
• Be prepared to slow down further if conditions indicate the need.
Follow instructions from flaggers.
Merge into the proper lane and change lanes safely.
• Merge well before you reach the lane closure.
• Be aware that traffic patterns can change daily.
• Change lanes only where pavement markings indicate, and only when traffic conditions permit.
Expect the unexpected.
• Workers, work vehicles, or equipment may enter your lane without warning
• Other vehicles may slow, stop, or change lanes unexpectedly.
Be patient.
