Colorado Springs National Work Zone Awareness Week Is April 20-24

From the City of Colorado Springs:

April 20, 2020

Safe Work Zones for All. Protect workers. Protect road users. We Can Do It!

The start of paving season is upon us. It’s both good news and bad news for drivers across the city. They provide a safe area for workers and a safe route for road users around 2C paving and other roadway projects, but they can also be a major cause of congestion and delay.

It is easy to become frustrated in the traffic backups caused by slower speed limits and a reduced number of travel lanes, but, work zones are a necessary part of the life cycle of our streets and roads. And let’s not forget that behind every cone zone is a crew made up of moms, dads, uncles and aunts. They are part of the essential staff that is still serving Colorado Springs during the COVID-19 pandemic. And we want to make sure they go home to their families every night.

That’s why each year at the beginning of paving season we set aside a week to focus on work zone safety. Crashes in and around work zones affect everyone. We must protect road workers as well as road users. Work zone safety is everyone’s responsibility.Note: The following video was created prior to COVID-19, social distancing, and the stay at home order

Work Zone Safety - Drive Carefully

Here are some things we can all do to keep our work zones safe.

Be prepared. Before driving, check the WAZE app or the City’s Cone Zone map to help you avoid them. If you can’t find an alternate route, make sure to give yourself extra time to get through construction areas. For a list of roads scheduled to be paved with 2C funds this year, visit ColoradoSprings.Gov/2C

Wear Your Seatbelt. Seatbelts save lives. They are your best defense in a crash.

Stay Focused and Be Alert. Watch the road and not your phone.. Be aware of all activity occurring around you, including paying attention to other drivers.

Slow Down and Don’t Tailgate. Speeding and tailgating can lead to crashes with other vehicles and with field workers. Obey the posted work zone speed limits and keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you.

Obey Road Crews and Signs. Cones, barrels, and warning signs help facilitate the movement of traffic in and around work zones. Flaggers are there to get you safely through the work zone.

Watch for Workers. Because of the stay-at-home order there isn’t as much traffic, and our crews are working hard to make the most of the opportunity now that the weather is staring to warm up. Help keep them stay safe by obeying road crews and signs. Share the Road. When you see passing work crews and official vehicles with flashing warning lights, move over to allow them to pass.

Use Caution Around Large Vehicles. Large vehicles have a slower reaction time, so refrain from making sudden lane changes in front of trucks that are trying to slow down.

Remember, Protect Everyone. Be respectful of workers and fellow drivers. We need everyone to work together to ensure we are all protected in work zones.

2cTraffic SafetyPublic WorksStreets (Public Works Operations and Maintenance)

This press release was produced by the City of Colorado Springs. The views expressed here are the author’s own.