By Brent Cook, Georgia DOT District Engineer
Earlier this month, three Georgia Department of Transportation employees were transported to the
hospital after a tractor-trailer struck a state buffer vehicle, resulting in a chain reaction crash in Lowndes County. Thankfully, no major injuries resulted, but the incident is yet another reminder that a work zone can mean life or death for Georgia DOT workers and contractors. Since 1973, 57 Georgia DOT employees have died in work zones, and numerous other contractors and motorists have lost their lives.
The week of March 23-27 has been designated as 2015 National Work Zone Awareness Week. The
Department will participate, once again showing commitment to the highest level of safety for both motorists and construction personnel. At 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, at the Interstate 75 Northwest Corridor construction site, Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell McMurry and other state officials will host a commemorative ceremony honoring all employees who’ve died in work zones since 1973.
Work zone safety is a national issue considering the general public accounts for 85 percent of work zone fatalities nationwide. It is important to work together through education, enforcement and engineering tools that will make traveling work zones a safe, driving experience. We urge all road system users to “Expect the Unexpected.”
First, know your role
According to the Federal Highway Administration, more than 28,000 people were injured in these work areas during 2013 with 105 worker fatalities. The most common contributing factors in work zone accidents are speed and distractions. It’s vital the traveling public understands his or her role to maintain work zone safety.
- Slow Down: Speeding is the most common factor in a work zone safety accident;
- Pace Yourself: Don’t tailgate other motorists or construction vehicles;
- Read All Signs: Signs are in place to safely directing motorists through the work zone;
- Obey Road Crew Flaggers: These workers are equivalent to traffic signals;
- Stay Alert: Minimize distractions and give the road your full attention;
- Expect the Unexpected: Lane shifts, reduced speeds and work crews are all possibilities;
Second, for hundreds the road is an office
Numerous employees clock in to their “office” on the heavily traveled roadways and work zones. There are 57 Georgia DOT employees who came to work one morning and never returned to their parents, spouses or children. We can’t replace these lives.
This is the beginning of the heavy construction season, so our maintenance and construction crews will be out in full force. It is critical that motorist pay attention while traveling through those work zones. Safety becomes a personal issue for every Georgia DOT employee and their families.
Third, understand the laws guiding our work zones
Georgia’s Move Over Law is designed to help protect lives by requiring drivers to change lanes or slow down when they encounter a stationary emergency vehicle flashing emergency lights. This applies to the Georgia DOT, as well as law enforcement, first responders, tow operators and HERO operators. A fine up to $500 can be levied for violators.
When traveling in the adjacent lane to an emergency vehicle with its blue, yellow, red or white lights flashing, a driver must switch lanes if possible. In the event traffic is too congested to move over safely, the law says drivers must slow down below the posted speed limit and be prepared to stop. The Move Over Law reduces secondary crashes, provides a buffer lane and boosts safety for all. So the next time you see an emergency vehicle on the roadway, move over.
Speeding in a work zone is also against the law. Official speed limit reduction requirements will be indicated with the standard black and white speed limit signs. Motorists disobeying regulatory speed limits in a work zone may be found guilty of a misdemeanor and fined up to $2,000 or receive as many as 12 months in jail.
Though a national work zone safety awareness week approaches, consider safe driving habits, especially in our work zones, a personal commitment every day. Hundreds of Georgia DOT workers and contractors are doing their best to stay safe and make it home to their families. This remains a team effort and pledge worth taking.
Brent Cook, P.E., is the District Engineer for Georgia DOT’s Northeast District (District 1) that serves 21 counties.
