"Recognition, Reaction, Responsibility"
INDIANA, PA - The safety of highway maintenance and construction workers and the motoring public is one of PennDOT's highest priorities. Work zone safety requires an ongoing and committed effort from everyone who uses the highway system.
Everyday, peoples' lives are put at risk because someone didn't recognize the need to slow down and use caution through a work zone.
PennDOT Engineering District 10 would like to offer an easy memory tool about the importance of work zone safety.
The Three R's of work zone safety:
• Recognition: Learn to recognize a work zone. Watch for early warning signs that work may be beginning soon in the area. Read your local newspaper, especially transportation columnists who specialize in finding out what's happening in your area. Contact your local PennDOT office and ask about upcoming projects or visit the PennDOT website www.dot.state.pa.us. Look for orange barrels, signs, lane restrictions or highway equipment.
• React: Learn to react in a work zone. Always stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Anticipate lane shifts and don't be distracted by ongoing activities. The sheer fact that cars, heavy equipment and workers are in close proximity could result in disaster. Don't tailgate and expect the unexpected.
• Responsibility: Learn to take personal responsibility for your actions. It is everyone's responsibility to drive with caution in a work zone. Don't let discourteous drivers cause you to become impatient and take needless risks. By following a few common sense guidelines, you can significantly reduce the number of fatalities and injuries that occur in work zones every year.
PennDOT asks motorists to make work zone safety a high priority. Educate your teenager about their responsibilities when driving through a work zone. Set a good example for everyone to follow.
In simple terms, DO THE RIGHT THING.
For more information on roadway construction and maintenance operations this summer, access District 10's website at www.dot.state.pa.us. Weekly construction and maintenance schedules for each county will be posted on the site.
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