Courtesy/LAC
COUNTY News:
“Work zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.” –Federal Highway Administration
Los Alamos County Public Works Department announced its participation in the National Work Zone Awareness Week that is held each spring to raise awareness as roadway work gets into full swing.
The goal is to remind everyone of the importance of paying attention as they approach and drive through work zones so that both motorists and roadway workers remain safe.
Drivers should consider the following actions, as suggested by the Transportation Department’s Federal Highway Administration, to improve work zone safety:
- Reroute – Avoid traveling through work zones, if possible. Otherwise, allow extra time for possible delays.
- Avoid distractions – Be vigilant to safely travel through the work zone by paying attention.
- Slow down – Follow speed limits to make driving through narrow lanes and lane shifts easier.
- Be aware of workers – The work area is often very close to travel lanes. Slow down when you see workers.
- Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists – Work zones often restrict where non-motorized road users can travel. In 2022, 145 individuals on foot and bicyclists were killed in work zone crashes across the nation.
- Give large vehicles space – Narrow lanes, unexpected lane shifts, and longer braking distances are challenges for large vehicles. Allow extra space for them to safely navigate work zones.
- Stay alert – Be prepared for sudden stops. Work zones may cause unexpected slowdowns.
This year’s National Work Zone Awareness Week theme is “Work zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.”
The National Work Zone Awareness Week campaign was founded by the American Association of State Highway and Federal Highway Administration.
