Xenia, OHIO –As the temperatures warm up, the orange barrels and cones reappear on Ohio roadways. During National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 1-7, drivers are being asked to have patience and slow down when driving through work zones. 

We all must be very cautious when we observe ‘Road Construction Ahead’ signs. Remember that the men and women who work on our nation’s roadways have families to go home to safely at the end of their day.

One work zone fatality occurs every 8.2 hours, which is approximately 3 people each day.

One work zone injury occurs every 9 minutes, which is equivalent to 160 injuries per day.

The Federal Highway Administration offers the following tips while driving through work zones:

§         Expect the Unexpected.

§         Slow Down.

§         Don’t Tailgate

§         Pay Attention to the Signs.

§         Obey Road Crew Flaggers.

§         Stay Alert and Minimize Distractions.

§         Keep Up with the Traffic Flow.

§         Keep a Safe Distance with Workers and Their Equipment.

§         Schedule Extra Time for Driving.

§         Be Patient and Stay Calm.

Drivers view work zones as a nuisance, but the repairs are very necessary to build safer roads and save lives.  Getting there safely is the goal.