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Idaho Transportation
Department
Public Affairs Office
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707
208.334.8005
Fax: 208.334.8563
Email


ITD urges caution when driving in work zones

The Idaho Transportation Department’s highest priority is safety. As you travel throughout Idaho this spring and summer, you may encounter a number of highway construction projects. They are designed to improve travel conditions and help you arrive at your destination safely.

Highway construction zones are among the most hazardous places for workers in the United States and can be equally dangerous for motorists. Nationwide, work zone crashes involving motorists have increased in recent years. Work Zone Awareness Week, observed nationally every spring as highway construction activities resume in earnest, is designed to bring attention to the need for motorists to slow down and drive carefully in highway construction areas.

ITD offers the following guidelines to help you prepare for a season of safe travel through our work zones:

  1. Expect the unexpected. Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed, and people may be working on or near the road.
  2. Slow down. Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes.
  3. Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you. The most common crash in a highway work zone is the rear end collision. Leave at least two car lengths between you and the car in front of you and don't tailgate.
  4. Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the construction workers and their equipment. Highway construction crews working on or near the roadway can be especially vulnerable, since their attention is focused on their task rather than on passing traffic.
  5. Pay attention to signs and follow flagger directions. The flagger helps traffic move safely through the work zone. Warning signs help you and other drivers move safely through the work zone.
  6. Stay alert and minimize distractions. Dedicate your full attention to the roadway and avoid changing radio stations or using cell phones while driving in a work zone.
  7. Help maintain a safe traffic flow. Motorists can help maintain traffic flow and posted speeds by merging as soon as possible. Don't drive right up to the lane closure and then try barge in.
  8. Be patient and stay calm. Work zones aren't there to personally inconvenience you. Remember, crew members are working to improve the road and make your future drive better.
  9. Plan ahead. Leave early and allow enough time to get to your destination. For information about the state highway and interstate system, and construction activities that will impact traffic, call the Idaho Road Report, 1-888-IDA-ROAD (432-7623), or visit the transportation department’s Web site at www.itd.idaho.gov and click on “Traveler Services”.
  10. Be careful. Just like you, highway construction workers want to return home safely tonight.