City Urges Safe Driving in Work Zones
Published on April 12, 2024
Lincoln Transportation and Utilities (LTU) today urged residents to drive safely during National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 15 through 19, and all year long. National Work Zone Awareness Week is a national public awareness campaign that spreads the message that we are all responsible for work zone safety. This year’s theme is “Work Zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.”
“Let’s make every moment count by driving safely, especially in work zones, not just this week, but every time we hit the road. When you see roadway workers, slow down and move over if you can,” said Liz Elliott, LTU Director. “Small acts of caution can make a big difference in work zone safety. Thank you for doing your part to prioritize safety for everyone.”
According to the National Highway Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 891 people died in work zones in 2022. The majority of people killed in work zones were motorists, their passengers, and pedestrians.
Elliott said these national statistics demonstrate the importance of spreading awareness of work zone safety and safe driving practices in work zones.
Safety tips for driving in work zones include:
- Plan ahead – Expect delays, plan for them, leave early and when you can, and avoid work zones altogether by using alternate routes.
- Obey street crews and signs – When approaching a work zone, watch for cones, barrels, signs, large vehicles, and workers in bright-colored vests to warn you and direct you where to go.
- Slow down – Watch for and obey speed limit signs through work zones. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
- Move over – Most state move-over laws apply when passing work crews and official vehicles are parked on the shoulder with flashing warning lights.
- Avoid distractions – Keep your eyes on the street and off of your phone.
- Watch for sudden stoppages – In 2021, 24% of fatal work zone crashes involved rear-end collisions.
- Watch for large vehicles – Do not make sudden lane changes in front of trucks that are trying to slow down.
To learn more about safe driving in work zones, visit nwzaw.org. Current information on street closures is available at lincoln.ne.gov/closures or through the Waze mobile app.