Work Zone Safety Tips Courtesy of the Port Washington Water District

Even though we've experienced mild weather through most of the fall, sustained cold weather will eventually arrive. With the cold weather comes the increased chance for water main breaks. This means that Port Washington Water District crews will be on the road making repairs and unfortunately will be exposed to the dangers of working in traffic. Water District employees undertake the appropriate safety precautions to safeguard the construction zone and to protect themselves. However, their safety and the safety of the public is highly dependent upon the actions of motorists traveling through the construction area. Unfortunately, nationwide there have been over 3800 persons killed and approximately 39,000 injured in motor vehicle crashes in work zones the past five years. Port Washington Water District Commissioners David Brackett, Peter Meyer and Mindy Germain are concerned for their workers health and safety, and would like to remind the community to please exhibit extra caution when driving through construction zones.

In order to promote work zone safety, the commissioners have passed on the following safety tips suggested by the Federal Highway Administration, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and the American Traffic Safety Services Association:

• Stay Alert
• Dedicate your full attention to the roadway.
• Pay Close Attention , signs and work zone flaggers save lives.
• Turn On Your Headlights; workers and other motorists must see you.
• Don't Tailgate
• Don't Speed
• Note the posted speed limits in and around the work zone.

• Keep Up With The Traffic Flow
• Don't Change Lanes In The Work Zone
• Minimize Distractions; avoid changing radio stations and using mobile phones while driving in the work zone.
• Expect The Unexpected; keep an eye out for workers and their equipment.
• Be Patient ; remember the work zone crew members are working to improve your future ride.

"We realize that water main breaks are an inconvenience to our residents, but unfortunately they are inevitable," stated Commissioner Brackett. "Repairing these water main breaks puts our workers out in main roadways during times of high traffic volume. The safety of our workers is a major concern. Along with my fellow commissioners, I our ask residents to follow our safety guidelines and take it easy on the roads."