AAA Urges Motorists to Drive Cautiously
Around and Through Work Zones
As part of National Work Zone Awareness Week, AAA encourages motorists to plan ahead, slow down and stay alert in work zone areas
Helena, Mont., (March 30, 2011) – While roadway workers face obvious risks to their safety, however nearly 85 percent of those killed in work zone crashes are drivers or their passengers. During National Work Zone Awareness Week, AAA reminds motorists to use caution and drive safely when approaching and driving through work zones.
The number of lives lost in work zone-related traffic crashes has decreased by more than 43 percent from 1,186 in 2002 to 667 in 2009, the most recent year for which data are available.
“We continue to see progress in the reduction of work zone-related traffic crashes, however, with 13 people a week dying in these crashes, it’s clear more can and should be done to keep motorists, passengers and highway workers safe in work zones,” said AAA Spokeswoman Tara Hanley. “As we aspire to move the nation toward zero traffic deaths, simple tasks such as slowing down, observing posted advisories, preparing for unusual driving conditions and practicing patience can reduce a motorist’s crash risk in a work zone.”
AAA offers three work zone safety tips to motorists:
Plan Ahead – Motorists are encouraged to check for planned work zone delays and traffic advisories and allot extra travel time prior to departing for their trip. Travelers may use AAA’s online TripTik® Travel Planner to create maps and get turn-by-turn directions. This travel tool identifies longer-term construction areas and delivers advisory messages for such things as areas of historic congestion.
Reduce Speed – For the safety of all drivers and construction workers, normal posted speed limits are often reduced in work zones. Most states double fines for speeding in work zones when workers are present. Motorists, while keeping consistent with the flow of traffic, should maintain a safe distance between vehicles ahead, traffic barriers, construction workers and equipment.
Remain Alert – As with any driving situation, minimize distractions. Construction zones may contain unusual vehicles or machinery that can divert a driver’s attention as well as traffic cones, barrels, flashing lights and concrete barriers. Drivers should be prepared to stop, slow down, merge and yield to the movement of construction workers and equipment. Motorists should not turn off their vehicles when stopped on the roadway unless they will be idling for a significant period of time.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is also supporting National Work Zone Awareness Week by highlighting its Driver-Zed training program during the month of April. Designed for novice drivers, this training program allows users to learn how to safely navigate through different driving scenarios – including through work or construction zones. For more information, go to AAAFoundation.org.
AAA MountainWest is dedicated to providing its over 178,000 members in Alaska, Montana and Wyoming with travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services. A fully tax-paying, not-for-profit corporation, AAA MountainWest, Inc. works for the improvement of motoring and traveling conditions and is a leader for travel, civic and safety issues. AAA can be visited on the Internet at www.AAA.com. To have up-to-date news and safety information from AAA delivered right to your desktop, sign-up for the new RSS Feed at http://mtw.aaashare.com/index.php#rss.
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