Senator Lavalle Stresses Importance of Work Zone Safety

Senator Kenneth P. LaValle would like to remind the motoring public about the importance of traveling cautiously through work zones.  “National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week provided the perfect opportunity to emphasize the importance of paying attention to work zone safety tips to ensure the well-being of other travelers and highway workers,” said Senator LaValle.

Last year, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) construction and maintenance work zones experienced 511 traffic crashes, including 12 fatalities and 173 injuries.  It is critically important to the safety of those who are working inches from moving traffic that the rules of the road be observed. 

Senator LaValle would like to make the public aware of the NYSDOT’s ten safety tips which are critical for safe driving in highway construction zones:

Ø  Expect the unexpected

Ø  Slow Down – Be Alert – Pay Attention to the Signs!

Ø  A flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign

Ø  Stay Calm – work zones are necessary to improve roadways

Ø  Merge as soon as possible to help maintain traffic flow

Ø  Slow down when the signs say to

Ø  Leave two-seconds of braking distance between you and the car in front of you

Ø  Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and traffic barriers, trucks, etc.

Ø  Observe signs posted throughout work zones until you’ve left the work zone

Ø  Plan ahead and try an alternate route if you wish to avoid the work zone

“Motorists are often in a hurry to get from point A to point B, but it is extremely important to be extra careful when traveling through work zones.  The time drivers spend exercising caution will not take much from their day and could prevent a major tragedy,” concluded Senator LaValle.