NDOT reminds motorists to drive safely During National Work Zone Awareness Week
Submitted by editor on Mon, 04/09/2018 - 11:08am
This week is National Work Zone Awareness Week, an annual effort to bring national attention to motorist and worker safety and mobility in work zones. The Nevada Department of Transportation reminds motorists to drive safely in road work zones throughout the year.
Nevada law has also long required drivers to slow down, proceed with caution, and if possible, move to the far lane when passing an official emergency response vehicle(s) pulled over on the side of the road with lights on. Since 2017, an updated law requires drivers to also do the same for NDOT road work vehicles stopped on the side of the road with their flashing amber or non-flashing blue lights on.
NDOT is testing portable traffic sensors to alert drivers of slowing traffic ahead in addition to incorporating portable rumble strips placed at the beginning of certain work zones to alert drivers to slow down.
According to statistics, there was a total of 9 work zones fatalities, from 1,313 crashes statewide from July 1, 2016 to July 1, 2017.
In Washoe County there was 1 work zone fatality and 113 work zone related crashes from July 1, 2016 to July 1, 2017.
“Tragically, there are hundreds of crashes every year in Nevada road work zones,” Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Matt McLaughlin explained. “Slowing down, always buckling up and focusing on the road are important ways to be safe on the road, and that is particularly true in road work zones. Also remember that you can be cited and fines and demerit points can be doubled for traffic violations in a road work zone with workers present.”
Nevada law has also long required drivers to slow down, proceed with caution, and if possible, move to the far lane when passing an official emergency response vehicle(s) pulled over on the side of the road with lights on. Since 2017, an updated law requires drivers to also do the same for NDOT road work vehicles stopped on the side of the road with their flashing amber or non-flashing blue lights on.
NDOT works to keep drivers and road workers safe using protective barriers, warning signs, lower speed limits, lane closures and flaggers in certain work zones. NDOT is testing portable traffic sensors to alert drivers of slowing traffic ahead in addition to incorporating portable rumble strips placed at the beginning of certain work zones to alert drivers to slow down.
Updates on current state road conditions are available by logging onto www.nvroads.com or calling ‘511’ before driving.
National Work Zone Awareness Week is sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration to bring national attention to motorist and worker safety and mobility in work zones.
SAFE WORK ZONE DRIVING TIPS
Work zone driving tips and information on major NDOT road projects is available at www.nevadadot.com.
· Always buckle up and do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or while sleepy or distracted.
· Nevada law doubles the penalty for speeding, up to $1,000, in any marked road construction or maintenance work zone when workers are present.
· Always slow to posted work zone speed limits and slow for and obey construction signs and flaggers.
· Don’t tailgate. Keep a safe distance from cars ahead, traffic barriers, construction equipment and workers.
· Watch for and follow all warning, lane/ramp closure and construction detour signs, and be prepared to change lanes or merge as directed by road signs or flaggers.
· Plan ahead and give yourself time to reach your destination.
· Continue to pay attention to work zone signs, even in areas of long-term road work.
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