Don’t Drive Distracted in Work Zones

April is Distracted Driving Month and April 15-19, 2024 is National Work Zone Awareness Week.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2021, distracted driving killed 3,522 people.  Distracted driver crashes in Work Zones on rural and urban interstates are nearly double that of Non-Work Zones.  (from the National Workzone Safety Information Clearinghouse)

Generally speaking, there are three types of distractions: visual, manual and cognitive.  Visual distractions are those that take your eyes off the road, such as looking at a map, looking at your phone, reading, rubbernecking, or looking at a passenger. Manual distractions involve taking your hands off the wheel such as eating and drinking, adjusting climate or radio controls, smoking, holding an animal, or dialing your phone.  Cognitive distractions take your mind off the task of driving, such as emotional distress, replying to a text, talking to a passenger, and daydreaming.  The most common distraction is using your cell phone, which typically involves all three types of distractions.  Most accidents that occur on the road are reportedly due to cell phone use while driving.

How can we prevent these kinds of distractions?

·         Maintain situational awareness while driving

·         Make adjustments before you start driving (mirrors, radio, climate control, GPS, etc.)

·         Secure loads prior to driving to avoid losing them if you have to stop suddenly.

·         If something falls, leave it until you can pull over and stop the vehicle.

·         If you are upset or angry, pull over and don’t drive until you have calmed down.

·         Avoid eating and drinking while driving. 

·         Never try to read, watch a movie, or work on your laptop, tablet or phone while driving.

·         Put away the phone – If you must take or make a call or text, stop and park first.  While use of a hands-free device may be permissible in many states, research shows that they do little to reduce risk while driving.  If someone calls you, tell them you are driving and will call them back.  Wait until you are in a safe place before returning the call.

Safe driving in work zones include:

·         Map out your route in advance – wherever possible, avoid routes that involve driving through work zones.

·         Stay focused, avoid distractions.

·         Be prepared for slowing traffic and traffic pattern shifts

·         Be aware of your blind spots

·         Slow down and do not attempt to pass or cut off other vehicles when approaching a lane restriction. 

·         Maintain extra space from the vehicle you are following – most accidents that occur in Work Zones are rear end crashes.

·         Follow traffic control instructions

·         Be prepared to stop

For more work zone safety tips, visit https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads/work-zones-safety-tips.

Make a commitment to drive safely.  Maintain situational awareness, avoid distractions, and take it slow in work zones.