The summer season may be winding down but area roadway improvement projects are still in progress. PennDOT has been hard at work delivering improvements to the highways and bridges across Pennsylvania. PennDOT District 4 reminds motorists that work zone restrictions require drivers to remain alert.
Paving, pothole patching, line painting, drainage work and even litter pickup are all considered work zone activities. Work zones occur on interstates as well as secondary roads, and involve not only PennDOT crews but contractors, utility and municipal workers
In 2009, there were 1,513 work zone crashes statewide; 23 people lost their lives in these crashes including four workers; and 1,055 others were injured.
In PennDOT District 4, encompassing Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties, there were 148 work zone crashes in 2008.
Work Zone Safety Tips:
• Be aware of the work zone.
• Minimize distractions in vehicles.
• Watch for signs, signals, flaggers and law enforcement.
• Expect the unexpected. Keep an eye on workers and their equipment.
• Give yourself plenty of time
• Always plan an alternate route.
• Turn on headlights.
• Be patient. Don't tailgate. The most common crash in a work zone is a rear-end collision.
• Know before you go: sign up for e-mail alerts, call “511” or visit www.511PA.com.
