06-30-21 Please Drive Safe And Slow Down In Road Construction Zones -06/30/21

DOUGLAS COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 30, 2021

 

***SAFETY REMINDER***

PLEASE DRIVE SAFE AND SLOW DOWN IN ROAD CONSTRUCTION ZONES

 

ROSEBURG, Ore. – Douglas County Public Works Department (DCPW), would like to remind the motoring public to use extreme caution when traveling through the various road construction and chip seal road improvement zones this summer.  When you see reduced speed signs, slow down postings, orange safety cones and loose gravel, these roads are still part of an active construction zone.  The use of excessive speed in these areas can cause accidents, flying rock and dusty conditions resulting in reduced visibility for all motorists. 

 

We know that driving through construction zones is necessary to get to your destination. We work hard to build and maintain roads to improve traffic flow, and give you a smoother and safer driving surface. However, we understand that construction will affect your drive time and experience.  Here are a few tips for safe driving through construction zones:

 

Speed Check

• Slow down when you approach a work zone; It comes faster than you think.
• Follow posted speed limits, even if there are no workers present.
• Obey flaggers and construction workers instructions
• Resume normal speed when the signs instruct you to do so.

 

Space Check

• Leave at least 2 seconds between you and the car in front of you.
• Do not pass on the shoulder of the road.
• Don't make a point with tailgaters by slamming on your brakes. A collision won't solve anything.

 

Stress Check

• Plan your route so you know where construction is occurring and try to seek alternative routes when possible.
• Expect delays. Leave extra time so you don't need to worry about running late.
• Use cautions, as driving lanes are often close together in construction zones.
• Stay alert and avoid all distractions like cell phones and changing music stations.

 

Safety is always a priority for the motoring public, as well as for our employees.  Please understand that road construction projects will impact drive times, so we are asking residents to plan accordingly. Expect up to 20-minute delays and try to seek alternate routes whenever possible.  We are asking motorists to proceed with caution, be patient and obey all posted signs, warnings and flagger instructions as they travel thru all road construction zones.  For more information, please contact DCPW at (541) 440-4208 or log onto https://douglascounty-oregon.us/376/Project-Information.