{"id":21635,"date":"2018-05-14T12:00:38","date_gmt":"2018-05-14T17:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.terrybryant.com\/?p=21635"},"modified":"2020-03-05T12:25:22","modified_gmt":"2020-03-05T17:25:22","slug":"work-zone-deaths-increase-texas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.terrybryant.com\/blogs\/work-zone-deaths-increase-texas","title":{"rendered":"Work Zone Deaths Increase in Texas"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\tAs the state\u2019s roadway infrastructure continues to expand, the price of progress means more than 2,500 active highway construction and repair work zones. According to the\u00a0Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), in 2017 there were over 27,000 work zone crashes in Texas. That\u2019s an increase of 5% over 2016\u2019s accident count, totaling almost 100 deaths and over 800\u00a0serious injuries. The leading causes were speeding<\/a> and driver inattention\/distraction<\/a>, both of which are preventable if drivers pay attention and slow down in work zones. Fines for traffic violations in work zones double \u2013 because vulnerable workers are present \u2013 and can be as high as $2,000.<\/p>

<\/div>\n

Some tips that can save you money and a roadside construction worker\u2019s life include the following:<\/p>\n

Slow down, be alert, and pay attention to the signs<\/strong> \u2013 Diamond-shaped orange warning signs are generally posted in advance of road construction projects and flashing message signs will communicate warnings and instructions.<\/p>\n

A truck traveling at 60 mph covers 88 linear feet per second. If you\u2019re driving 60 mph and encounter a sign that says \u201cRoad Work 1,500 feet,\u201d you\u2019ll be in that work zone in less than 20 seconds<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Expect the unexpected in road construction zones<\/strong> \u2013 By obeying lower speed limits, watching for sudden traffic lane changes, and being alert for people and construction vehicles near the highway, you can easily cruise through a work zone without incident.<\/p>\n

Follow directions given by the flagger<\/strong> \u2013 Be prepared to immediately obey the flagger\u2019s directions. In construction zones, fines await those who are caught disregarding a flagger\u2019s orders.<\/p>\n

Keep cool in road construction zones<\/strong> \u2013 Delays can be exasperating, but getting upset and venting accomplishes nothing except raising your blood pressure and putting you in a sour mood. If you can\u2019t find an alternative route to avoid construction zones \u2013 detours which can sometimes be just as jammed-up as the zones themselves \u2013 relax, and go with the flow.\u00a0 It\u2019s only temporary.<\/p>\n

Use the \u201cTake 10\u201d technique to change lanes<\/strong> \u2013 Many construction zone accidents<\/a> happen during improper or impatient lane changes. When encountering flashing arrow panels or \u201clane closed ahead\u201d signs, merge as soon and as safely as possible. Don\u2019t zip into the lane or force yourself in. The \u201cTake 10\u201d technique involves signaling for at least three seconds once you\u2019re aware of the need to change lanes. Then use at least seven seconds to smoothly change lanes; all the while darting your eyes to your mirror, the road in front of you, and peripherally when you encounter workers or equipment in lanes adjacent to you.<\/p>\n

Drive defensively and try not to follow too close<\/strong> \u2013 The most common crash in a highway work zone is the rear-end collision, often happening during lane changes. Try to keep seven seconds of braking distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Sometimes that\u2019s not possible due to traffic congestion, so in road work zones, be prepared to brake in the blink of an eye.<\/p>\n

Also be aware of traffic barriers, construction equipment, and workers. They deserve the right to go home safely each day just like everyone else.<\/p>\n

Obey the posted signs until you see the \u201cend work zone\u201d sign <\/strong>\u2013 Some work zones \u2013 such as those where workers are painting lines, patching roads, or mowing \u2014 move down the road with traffic. Just because you don\u2019t see the workers in the posted work zone doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019re not out there. Also, keep your eyes out for workers helping to move the zone forward by picking up and putting down cones at the ends of the zone.<\/p>\n

Expect delays and leave early to reach your destination on time<\/strong> \u2013 TxDOT uses many channels to inform motorists about the location and duration of major work zones. Choose your favorite information channel, plan ahead, stay alert, and keep calm so everyone gets home safely.\t\t<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As the state\u2019s roadway infrastructure continues to expand, the price of progress means more than 2,500 active highway construction and repair work zones. According to the\u00a0Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), in 2017 there were over 27,000 work zone crashes in Texas. That\u2019s an increase of 5% over 2016\u2019s accident count, totaling almost 100 deaths and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":21637,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[49,335],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21635","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-vehicle-wrecks","category-workplace-safety-news","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWork Zone Deaths Increase in Texas | Terry Bryant Law<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Fines for traffic violations in work zones can be as high as $2,000. 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