• Merge into the correct lane well in advance. • Turn on your emergency flashers if traffic is slowing or stopping ahead. • Use alternate routes during the peak traffic hours. • Plan ahead. Call 511 or visit www. TripCheck.com before you hit the road. Many work zone crashes occur in the transition zone. The typical work zone crash is a rear-end collision into a line of stopped vehicles. The two biggest causes of work zone crashes are speeding and drivers not paying attention, what is now known as distracted driving. Nearly all crashes are preventable and are the result of poor choices. Work zone crashes tend to be more severe than other crashes and involve more fatalities. Slowing down and paying attention helps not only construction workers — your families,
your friends, your neighbors — but will protect yourself. I’d be remiss if I didn’t remind you more drivers than construction workers are killed and injured in work zone crashes. I’m probably dating myself but I’ll end with one of the greatest catchphrases in television history, a valuable piece of advice from Sgt. Phil Esterhaus (Hill Street Blues) that I hope you and your family will take to heart this summer. “Let’s be careful out there.”
About Art Anderson As ODOT Area Manager for the Rogue Valley for the more than a decade, Art manages state highway construction projects in Josephine and Jackson counties. He represents the agency as a member of the Rogue Valley Area Commission on Transportation. Art also served our country for 20 years as a Civil Engineering Air Force officer.
odotmovingahead.com
May 19, 2017
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