NDOT reminds motorists to drive safely as part of national Work Zone Awareness week
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Sun, 04/25/2021 - 1:41pm
CARSON CITY — With major highway improvement projects across northwestern Nevada, the Nevada Department of Transportation and Nevada Highway Patrol are reminding motorists to drive safely in road work zones, including during National Work Zone Awareness Week held April 26-30.
NDOT's latest figures for statewide work zone crashes and Washoe County work zone crashes are as follows:
Statewide Work Zone Crashes: July 1, 2019 to July 1, 2020, total fatalities, 5; total crashes – 1,028
Washoe County Work Zone Crashes: July 1, 2019 to July 1, 2020 , total fatalities, 0, total crashes – 37
Shifting travel patterns and periodic lane closures will be in place as NDOT repaves sections of State Routes 28 and 431 in Tahoe, reconstructs sections of U.S. 95 in Churchill County and makes other highway improvements across the region. State road construction conditions are available by logging onto nvroads.com or calling ‘511’ before driving.
NDOT places work zone signage, reduced speed limits, temporary rumble strips and safety barriers, electronic radar speed signs, overhead lighting and more to enhance visibility and safety of highway work zones.
Fines can also be doubled for speeding in marked work zones when workers are present.
“We heavily enforce work zone safety, with troopers stationed in most highway road work zones to ensure drivers are following work zone speed limits and driving safely,” Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Hannah DeGoey explained. “Slowing down, buckling up and focusing on the road are important ways to be safe on the road, particularly in road work zones.”
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
· Plan ahead and give yourself time to reach your destination.
· 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.
· Always buckle up and do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or while sleepy or distracted.
· Continue to pay attention to work zone signs, even in areas of long-term road work.
· Don’t resume normal driving speed until you see roadway signs indicating it is safe to do so.
