TxDOT urges commuters to drive smart in work zones

THE WOODLANDS, TX – The Woodlands area and Montgomery County in general are growing at an unprecedented rate, and this brings to sharp relief a major issue: growth means more drivers on the road, and it also means the need for work crews to conduct repairs, expansions, and improvements.

Currently, there are roadway improvements underway in more than 1,800 active work zones across the state. This month, in recognition of National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 20 - 24, the Texas Department of Transportation is highlighting safety tips in work zones to help protect workers and drivers due to the fact that highway work is dangerous, often just inches away from speeding traffic.

Last year, there were more than 28,000 traffic crashes in Texas work zones, resulting in 203 people killed, including seven roadside workers. Most of the people who died in work zone crashes were drivers and their passengers.

“Maintaining a safe highway system requires year-round effort from brave and dedicated work crews,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “Unfortunately, work zone crashes happen far too often. It’s crucial that drivers slow down, pay attention and give workers space. It’s the Texan thing to do.”

The department has some tips for staying safe and driving smart in work zones:

• Slow down. Follow the speed limit and adjust your speed to road conditions. Remember that traffic fines double in work zones when workers are present.
• Stay alert. Focus on driving, avoid distractions and put your phone away.
• Watch out for road crews. Roadside workers deserve to get home safely, too. Always follow their instructions and work zone signage.
• Never tailgate. Give yourself room to stop in a hurry. Rear-end collisions are the most common type of work zone crash.
• Allow extra time. Road construction can slow down traffic. Plan ahead so you aren’t tempted to speed.

Motorists are also reminded to follow the state’s Move Over or Slow Down law. The law requires drivers to move over a lane or reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching vehicles stopped on the roadside with flashing lights activated. That’s not just law enforcement cars, but emergency vehicles, TxDOT vehicles, tow trucks or utility vehicles.