NDOT: Slow down and focus to eliminate Work Zone crashes

With the return of road improvement projects along Lake Tahoe and other Nevada roads, the Nevada Department of Transportation and Nevada Highway Patrol are reminding motorist to drive safely in road work zones, not only during this week which is National Work Zone Awareness Week, but all year long.

From July 1, 2014 to July 1, 2015, there were 166 crashes in Washoe County work zones, resulting in 53 injuries and two fatalities. Statewide in Nevada, these numbers were significantly hire during the same periord: 1020 crashes, 612 injuries and 12 fatalities.

“Tragically, there were 12 deaths in Nevada road work zones in a recent one-year period,” Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Duncan Dauber said. “Nothing other than zero fatalities is acceptable on Nevada roads. By slowing down, always buckling up and focusing on the road, drivers can help reach that goal. And drivers should pay particular attention when driving through road work zones. If you commit a traffic violation in a road work zone with workers present, you can be cited and fines and demerit points against your license can be doubled.”

“NDOT and our transportation partners are here to provide safe and mobile transportation for Nevadans,” NDOT Director Rudy Malfabon explained. “While workers are making road improvements to provide us all with a safer and smoother commute, we want to remind drivers to give them a ‘brake.’ That means slowing down and driving safely anytime you’re on the road, and particularly in road work zones.”

This spring and summer, NDOT will continue improvements on Interstate 580 between Glendale Avenue and Moana Lane in Reno. Other road construction projects will enhance I-580 through Washoe Valley and U.S. 50 at Cave Rock in Lake Tahoe. The improvements will be joined by other important road projects by NDOT and partner agencies.

Throughout construction, NDOT works to keep drivers and road workers safe, using protective barriers, warning signs, lower speed limits, lane closures and flaggers in certain work zones. Construction work is also often scheduled during nighttime and off-peak hours.

Work zone driving tips and information on major NDOT road projects is available at www.nevadadot.com. Updates on current state road conditions are available by logging onto www.nvroads.com or calling ‘511’ before driving.

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.

The penalties are doubled when speeding in work zones, up to $1,000, in any marked road construction or maintenance work zone when workers are present.

SAFE WORK ZONE DRIVING TIPS

· Always buckle up and do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or while sleepy.

· Minimize distractions, and remember that handheld cellphone use is illegal while driving.

· 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.

· Continue to pay attention to work zone signs, even in areas of long-term road work.

· Remain calm. Remember that work zones are not there to inconvenience you- they are necessary to improve the roadway and safely guide motorists through the area.

· Don’t resume normal driving speed until you see roadway signs indicating it is safe to do so.

· Plan ahead and give yourself time to reach your destination.