|
“Signs of Change” campaign highlights Work Zone Safety Awareness Week
AMES, Iowa – The telltale orange signs are already out in large numbers again this year as spring brings another season of road construction. To highlight that increased activity, the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) and Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) are observing National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week April 2-6.
The 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. The theme of this year's observance is “Signs of Change,” which is intended to remind motorists to be alert, slow down, stay informed, and keep moving.
In calendar year 2006, 723 work zone crashes occurred in Iowa causing 2 fatalities, 30 serious injuries, and 107 minor injuries. Although preventing fatalities and reducing injuries is the focus of the awareness campaign, the Iowa DOT and DPS are optimistic that the education effort will reduce overall crash rates, including those that simply involve property damage. Accident claims of any type affect insurance rates for all motorists.
“In Iowa , 48 percent of all work zone crashes are rear-end collisions,” said Mark Bortle, DOT traffic safety engineer. “If drivers would be alert, slow down and wear their seat belts, the number and severity of work zone crashes would be significantly reduced.”
The Iowa DPS will be closely monitoring work zones to keep motorists safe. They caution drivers that fines double for infractions occurring in a work zone.
Being well informed about where major work zones are located can assist you in planning a safer trip. Visit 511ia.org on the Internet to view construction information, in either text or map format. You can also call 511 for construction updates on the route you plan to travel.
For work zone delays throughout the U.S., 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 this construction season throughout the state, including:
- I-235 in Des Moines
- I-35/80/235 mixmaster north of Des Moines
- I-80 at the U.S.-71 interchange
- U.S. 275 near Council Bluffs between the Missouri River and I-29
- Iowa 12 ( Gordon Drive ) in Sioux City
- Iowa 175 near Black Hawk State Park south of Storm Lake
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, as well as county roads and city streets.
Tips for Driving Safely in Work Zones
- EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED. Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed and people may be working on or near the road.
- 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.
- SLOW DOWN. Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes.
- DO NOT TAILGATE. Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead. 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 have left the work zone.
- OBEY 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.
- KEEP WITHIN THE TRAFFIC FLOW. Motorists can help maintain traffic flow and posted speeds by merging as soon as possible. Do not drive right up to the lane closure and then try to merge.
- PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP TO TAKE A LITTLE LONGER. Check radio, TV, Web sites or call 511 for traffic information. Expect delays and leave early so you can reach your destination on time.
- BE PATIENT AND STAY CALM. Work zones are not there to personally inconvenience you. Remember, road workers are improving the road for your use.
#
Work zone safety contacts:
General work zone questions:
Mark Bortle, DOT safety engineer, telephone 515-239-1587 or e-mail mark.bortle@dot.iowa.gov
Iowa State Patrol:
Lieutenant Mark Stewart, Iowa State Patrol community resource officer, telephone 515-281-8108 or e-mail mstewart@dps.state.ia.us
For regional state highway construction details, contact:
- District 1: Central Iowa ( Des Moines ) - Bill Lusher, field services coordinator, telephone 515-237-3300 or e-mail william.lusher@dot.iowa.gov
- District 2: Northeast Iowa (Waterloo) - Rod Larsen, District 2 Planner, telephone 319-235-1832 or 866-347-8896 or e-mail rodney.larsen@dot.iowa.gov ; or (Mason City) - Krista Rostad, District 2 Planner, telephone 641-423-7584 or 800-284-4368 or e-mail krista.rostad@dot.iowa.gov
- District 3: Northwest Iowa ( Sioux City ) - Todd Huju, District 3 construction engineer, telephone 712-276-1451 or 800-284-4368 or e-mail todd.huju@dot.iowa.gov
- District 4: Southwest Iowa ( Atlantic ) - Jeff Owen, District 4 field services coordinator, telephone 712-250-0299 or 712-243-7636 or e-mail jeff.owen@dot.iowa.gov
- District 5 : Southeast Iowa ( Fairfield ) - Fred Bartos, District 5 construction engineer, telephone 641-472-4171 or 800-766-4368 or e-mail frederick.bartos@dot.iowa.gov
- District 6: Eastern Iowa ( Cedar Rapids ) - Catherine Cutler, District 6 Planner, telephone 319-364-0235 or 800-866-4368 or e-mail catherine.cutler@dot.iowa.gov
For regional Iowa State Patrol details, contact:
- District 1: ( Des Moines ) - Lt. Doug Mollenhaur, telephone 515-725-0010
- District 2: (Osceola) - Sgt. Mark Stine or Trp. Brain Shelley, telephone 641-342-2108
- District 3: ( Council Bluffs ) - District 3 Office, telephone 712-328-8001
- District 4: ( Denison ) - Trp. Mike Horihan, telephone 712-263-4621
- District 5: ( Storm Lake ) - Trp. Stuart Christians, telephone 712-225-5119
- District 6: (Spencer) - Trp. Vince Kurtz, telephone 712-262-1424
- District 7: ( Ft. Dodge ) - Sgt. Randy Steinkamp, telephone 515-972-4213
- District 8: ( Mason City ) - Lt. Bill Hon, telephone 641-424-3625
- District 9: ( Cedar Falls ) - Trp. John Baber, telephone 319-266-2677
- District 10: ( Dubuque ) - Trp. Brian Senne, telephone 319-283-5521
- District 11: ( Cedar Rapids ) - Lt. Randy Jones, telephone 319-396-1944
- District 12: (Davenport/Stockton) - Sgt. Dave Shinker, telephone 563-284-9501
- District 13: ( Mount Pleasant ) - Lt. Curt Henderson, telephone 319-385-8715
- District 14: ( Ottumwa ) - Trp. Bryon Michelsen, telephone 641-682-4589
|
