From staff reports

 

TxDOT will host the 10th annual Orange Means Safety event Friday, June 14, rain or shine at the Travel Information in Orange at the Texas/Louisiana state line.

The event serves as a kickoff for a safe summer travel season.

In an effort to promote public awareness, the TxDOT is encouraging Texas travelers and the community alike to come and experience traveling Texas the safe way.

Area businesses, wildlife experts, local law enforcement agencies and emergency response personnel will be on hand to promote various safety ideas.

As the state’s population continues to boom, the price of progress can mean as many as 3,000 active work zones across 80,000 miles of state-maintained highways. In 2018, there were 25,162 crashes in work zones, resulting in 161 fatalities and another 684 serious injuries. The vast majority of those killed 84-percent were motorists and/or their passengers. The leading causes of work zone crashes statewide – speeding and driver inattention – are entirely preventable, according to txdot.gov.

Work zones present a different environment for drivers to navigate. Drivers are likely to encounter uneven pavement, narrow lanes, concrete barriers, slow-moving heavy equipment and vehicles that make sudden stops. Keep the following tips in mind when driving through work zones:

• Slow down and always follow posted work zone speed limits. Remember, traffic fines double in work zones when workers are present and can cost up to $2,000.
• Pay attention as workers and heavy equipment may only be a few feet from passing vehicles.
• Don’t tailgate.
• Stay alert, minimize distractions and put the phone away.
• Obey road crew flaggers.

Expect the unexpected. Delays from highway construction can be frustrating, but it only takes a few extra minutes to slow down for a work zone. 

Drivers are to move over a lane or reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when they see flashing blue or amber lights on a TxDOT vehicle, emergency vehicle or tow truck stopped on the roadside or shoulder. Violation of this law can result in a fine of up to $2,000.