NDOT builds memorial honoring road workers who died at Nevada road project sites
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Tue, 04/08/2014 - 10:48am
A memorial ribbon is being built this week at the Nevada Department of Transportation headquarters in Carson City that will memorialize the 25 NDOT employees who have died since the agency began while doing road construction work.
The ribbon is part of a campaign recognizing National Work Zone Awareness Week going on now through Friday. Once finished, the memorial at NDOT headquarters, 1263 South Stewart Street, will be draped with potted flowers.
Two NDOT contractors died last year after being struck by an inattentive motorist while making improvements to Interstate 80 in northeastern Nevada, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol.
An NDOT maintenance employee is also still recovering after being struck and severely injured while working on a Fallon-area state roadway last summer. NDOT and NHP are reminding motorists to drive safely in road work zones.
"There were nearly 600 crashes in Nevada work zones last year and for the safety of everyone on the road, including our NDOT employees and contractors. We are reminding everyone to please drive slowly and cautiously through road work zones," said NDOT spokeswoman Meg Ragonese.
“Whether it’s slowing down, buckling up or generally focusing on the road, we all can help make it zero fatalities on the road for ourselves and our families by giving the road your undivided attention, particularly in road work zones, said NHP Trooper Dave Gibson. "If you commit a traffic violation in a marked construction zone, you will be cited and the fines will be doubled.”
Work zone driving tips and information on major NDOT road projects are available at www.nevadadot.com. 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
— Always buckle up and do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or while sleepy.
— Minimize distractions, and remember that handheld cellphone use is illegal while driving.
— 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.
— Continue to pay attention to work zone signs, even in areas of long-term road work.
— Remain calm. Remember that work zones are not there to inconvenience you — they are necessary to improve the roadway and safely guide motorists through the area.
— Don’t resume normal driving speed until you see roadway signs indicating it is safe to do so.
— Plan ahead and give yourself time to reach your destination. Double Penalty in Work Zones.
Nevada law doubles the penalty for speeding, up to $1,000, in any marked road construction or maintenance work zone when workers are present.
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