April 5 , 2005

For more information contact:
Mark Bortle
515-239-1587

Work Zone Safety Awareness Week emphasizes need for caution

AMES, Iowa – With enforcement being the focus of this year's National Work Zone Awareness Week, the Iowa departments of Transportation and Public Safety are teaming up to make sure motorists can find the information they need to navigate work zones and also alert them that traffic laws in work zones will be strictly enforced.

The theme of the April 3-9 observance is “Slow Down or Pay Up." This emphasis on work zone safety is promoted each year in early April to remind motorists of the need for extra caution as roadwork swings into full gear across the nation.

Being well informed about where major work zones are located can assist you in planning a safer trip. On the Internet, go to 511ia.org to see a map and find details of work being conducted on the route you plan to travel. You can also call 511 from most telephones to get the same information. For work zone delays throughout the U.S., outside Iowa, visit the Federal Highway Administration's National Traffic and Road Closure Information Web site, www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/index.htm .

Major work is scheduled throughout the state, including:

• I-235 in Des Moines;

• Iowa 60 in northwest Iowa; and

• U.S. 34 and U.S. 218 in southeast Iowa.

Although these roadways are major areas of concentration for the Iowa Department of Transportation, work zone signs will be popping up on many state highways, and well as county roads and city streets.

Work Zone Crash Statistics

Tips for Driving Safely in Work Zones

Once you come upon a work zone, Iowa DOT officials offer these tips to protect you and the workers trying to improve Iowa's roads.

• EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED. Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed, and people may be working on or near the road.
  

• SLOW DOWN. Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes.
  

• DON'T TAILGATE.  Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you. The most common crash in a highway work zone is the rear end collision.
  

• KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE BETWEEN YOUR VEHICLE AND THE ROAD WORKERS AND THEIR EQUIPMENT.
  

• PAY ATTENTION TO THE SIGNS. The warning signs are there to help you and other drivers move safely through the work zone. Observe the posted signs until you see the one that says you've left the work zone.
  

• OBEY ROAD CREW FLAGGERS.  The flagger knows what is best for moving traffic safely in the work zone.  A flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign, so you can be cited for disobeying his or her directions.
  

• STAY ALERT AND MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. Dedicate your full attention to the roadway and avoid changing radio stations or using cell phones while driving in a work zone.
  

• KEEP UP WITH THE TRAFFIC FLOW.  Motorists can help maintain traffic flow and posted speeds by merging as soon as possible.  Don't drive right up to the lane closure and then try to merge.
  

• PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP TO TAKE A LITTLE LONGER. Check radio, TV and Web sites for traffic information. Expect delays and leave early so you can reach your destination on time. 
  

• BE PATIENT AND STAY CALM. Work zones aren't there to personally inconvenience you.  Remember, the work zone crew members are working to improve the road and make your future drive better.

#