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On average more than 40,000 injuries occur each year in highway work zone-related crashes. With highway construction up 40% nationwide, due to increased federal funding, construction zone fatal crashes have increased by more than 26% from 1997.
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Traffic accidents – not volume – account for as much as 60 percent of all traffic delays.
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For every minute an accident remains in a lane, traffic is delayed for an average of five additional minutes.
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The longer traffic is delayed, the more likely that secondary and more serious incidents will occur.
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Even a fender bender or flat tire that only takes 10 minutes to clear can delay traffic for an entire hour. When this happens in construction zones, it leads to more congestion, more frustration, and longer commute times.
Construction Zone Safety Tips
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Stay alert and give full attention to the roadway.
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Pay close attention to signs and work zone flaggers.
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Turn on headlights so workers and other drivers can see your vehicle.
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Do not tailgate – leave plenty of room for those sudden stops.
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Do not speed. Slow down to the posted speed limits.
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Keep up with the traffic flow.
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Do not change lanes in work zones.
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Minimize distractions in vehicles. Avoid changing radio stations and using cell phones.
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Expect the unexpected.
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Keep an eye on workers and their equipment.
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Be patient. Remember work zones are necessary to improve roads and make
them safer.
- Move minor accidents from traffic.
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