91ÊÓƵ

Summer has arrived, and the road construction season is upon us. Orange barrels, safety cones, warning signs, and of course, traffic congestion.

There is a small window of acceptable weather conditions in the Pacific Northwest to perform road improvements and paving projects; this means that a lot of projects are happening at the same time and being managed by a variety of city and county municipalities and, of course, the Oregon Department of Transportation.

These projects will result in safer, more efficient roadways when they are completed; however, they take time to complete. Yes, there will be delays from this construction. Yes, motorists may have to adjust when they leave or which route they take to reach their destination on time. But these temporary, small inconveniences to motorists passing through work zones are relatively minor compared to those of the workers standing on the roadways to make a living to support their families.

Construction work already has enough hazards that these workers must be prepared for. But they also face long shifts of 12-16 hours up to seven days per week, hot weather with no access to shade during the day, and night work scheduled to accommodate the traveling public. On top of that is a steady stream of vehicles passing by at high rates of speed only inches from where these workers are performing their tasks. Most people have no idea what it’s like to try to work while continuously looking over your shoulder and being prepared to run for your life from an errant car or truck coming straight at you.

Unfortunately, vehicle accidents happen far too frequently in work zones. When these accidents do occur, four out of five crash victims are drivers and their passengers, not the workers. Drivers are often caught off guard by the hazards present in work zones. Distracted driving and driving in excess of the speed limit reduce the necessary reaction time it takes to avoid a crash. No human being is a match for a vehicle weighing a ton or more moving at over 100 feet per second.

Traveling at a reduced, safe speed through work zones makes conditions safer for all. The motorist gets through the work area safely and efficiently without incident, and the workers can safely perform their work without the constant worry of getting struck by a vehicle or even a barrel or cone hurtling through the air after being struck by a vehicle.

The best situation for roadway workers is to have vehicles move as slowly as possible beside them. When a vehicle strikes a worker, the resulting injury cannot be treated with a Band-Aid. These impacts usually result in a serious or fatal injury. These life-altering moments affect more than just the worker or the motorist that struck them. The victims’ families suffer as well, and the financial hardships from lost income can be devastating.

The contractors that perform this roadwork have implemented safety programs and technology to protect their workers, but every situation is different. Hard barriers installed between the live lane and the workers are effective, but not always practical based on how fast the work zone can change. Crossovers to separate traffic from the work area are being considered for some projects. Highly visible work apparel and well-lit work areas at night help keep workers visible to motorists and others in the work zone. All these safety initiatives are contributing to workers’ safety, but motorists must do their part as well.

The answers to highway work zone safety are simple and as basic as what all of us were taught when we learned to drive. Obey all speed limit signs. Double the amount of distance between your vehicle and the one ahead. Move over to give workers more room. Watch for construction vehicles and do not follow them as they travel into and out of work areas. Most importantly, pay complete attention to your driving. Inattentive driving is the most common cause of work zone crashes. Plan your trips and don’t be in a hurry.

So, as the summer construction season kicks into gear, please drive slowly for construction workers.

Mike Salsgiver is the executive director of Associated General Contractors’ Oregon-Columbia chapter. Contact him at 503-685-8305 or [email protected].