Dodge County Highway Officials Urge Safe Driving During Construction Season

(Juneau) Dodge County officials are urging motorists to drive safely this construction season. Monday begins National Work Zone Awareness Week, this year’s theme is “work zones are a sign to slow down.”

Dodge County Highway Commissioner Brian Field says everyone should buckle up and put their phone down. He says highway workers want to make it home to their families.

Over the past five years, there have been more than 12,000 crashes in Wisconsin work zones causing 62 deaths and more than 4,700 injuries.

Work zones include major highway construction and rehabilitation, maintenance, emergency response, utility work, municipal projects, or any time there are flashing lights, signs, barrels, or workers on the road.

Work Zone Safety Awareness Week is sponsored by federal, state, and local transportation officials to draw attention to the safety needs of road workers during construction season.

Field asks everyone on the road to eliminate distractions and be mindful of speed. He says even in areas with reduced speed limits, things can happen in an instant.

Safe driving tips include: 

  • Don’t fool around. Eliminate distractions like eating, drinking, talking on the phone, or fiddling with electronic devices. 
  • Expect the unexpected. Speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed, and people and vehicles may be working on or near the road. 
  • Slow down. A car traveling 60 mph travels 88 feet per second, and the faster you go the longer it takes to stop. 
  • Give yourself room. Rear-end collisions are the most common work zone crashes, so don’t tailgate. 
  • Allow about three seconds of braking distance. Look for signs. Orange, diamond-shaped signs usually give you ample warning of lane closings, construction areas, and flaggers and other workers ahead. 
  • Be patient. If you don’t see workers, that doesn’t mean they’re not there. Observe the signs until you see one that says you’ve left the work zone. 
  • Plan ahead. Leave early or map out an alternate route. Find the latest road conditions and work zone news at 511 Wisconsin. 
  • Follow the law. Slow down and move over, if possible, when you see flashing lights. 
  • Consider turning off the phone until you reach your destination.  
  • During a long drive, consider leaving a voice mail explaining how long you’ll be unavailable.  
  • If you have to make a call, find a secure place to pull over and stop, such as a wayside or a gas station. 

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