Date: 10/22/20 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sheriff Curtis Landers
541-265-0654
ODOT WORK ZONES
If you notice when driving around the county and to other areas of the state any road work taking place, that may mean reduced speed limits and traffic delays in work zones. Did you know that 4 out of 5 work zone crash victims are NOT the workers? It is actually the drivers and their passengers traveling through the work zone areas. Inattention and speed are the most common causes of work zone crashes. Oregon averages 488 work zone crashes per year. That is one crash every 18 hours!
Work zones are dangerous for everyone even when workers are not visible. That is why ODOT lowers the speed limits in work zones. Exceeding work zone speed limits can be especially hazardous for numerous reasons:
Travelers are often caught off guard by work zone hazards. Distracted driving and driving in excess of the speed limit reduces the necessary reaction time to avoid a crash. When you see orange signs, cones and barrels on the roadway, PAY EXTRA ATTENTION! Those are your clues to be prepared for unexpected obstacles and stopped or slowing cars. So slow down, stay alert, avoid distractions and put down the phone.
For more information about work zone safety, go to ODOT's website at:
www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Safety/Pages/Work-Zone.aspx
For more information and tips, visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and Like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.