Work Zones

Drive safely in construction work zones- the life you save may be your own

Neon orange signs, cones and barrels lining stretches of North Dakota highways and interstates have already announced the onset of the 2005 road construction season in some areas of the state. Additional projects—for a total of 268 statewide—will soon be in full swing.

Risk comes hand-in-hand with the construction season—not just for highway workers, but for motorists, their passengers and pedestrians as well. According to the Federal Highway Administration, four out of five work zone fatalities are drivers and passengers, with drivers being the most frequent victims.

With this in mind, the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), the North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP) and the Associated General Contractors of North Dakota (AGCND) are working together again this year on a cooperative effort to encourage motorists slow down and use safe, responsible driving techniques, especially when traveling through construction zones.

If loss of life isn’t a sufficient deterrent, NDHP reminds drivers that, as of August 2003, the minimum fine for speeding through a work zone doubled from $40 to $80.

“Troopers will be highly visible while enforcing all traffic laws in work zones,” said Colonel Bryan Klipfel, North Dakota Highway Patrol Commander. “Exceeding the speed limit in work zones is the most frequent violation committed by drivers. It’s also one of the most dangerous.”

For the third consecutive year, NDDOT has obtained a federal grant to provide overtime pay to support additional troopers to patrol work zones during the 2005 construction season.

In 2003, the most recent year for which statistics are available, 1,028 people were killed in work zones along the nation's roadway system.

Last year, North Dakota had two highway work zone fatalities. One of the fatal accidents occurred on I-94; the other on a state highway.

AGC of ND Executive Vice President Curt Peterson says the Associated General Contractors are teaming up with the NDDOT and Highway Patrol in an effort to prevent work zone accidents and fatalities this coming construction season.

“The safety of those working on our state roads is a priority. We want all highway workers and the traveling public to make it home safely at the end of each day,” said Peterson. “Statistics show that four out of five work zone fatalities are drivers and passengers. So let’s all focus on slowing down and staying alert when we approach and enter a construction work zone.”

"Safety is at the heart of our mission, and we take it seriously," said NDDOT Director David Sprynczynatyk. “Our staff and our contractors plan work zones based on the safest possible flow of traffic through the construction and with optimum safety measures in place for workers.

“Now, we ask the public to do its part—to drive responsibly through work zones. Obey osted speed limits and traffic signs, pay attention to flaggers, and keep your eyes and your mind on your primary responsibility—driving a motor vehicle. The life you save may be your own.”

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