Raleigh – A crash in the Fortify work zone in Raleigh early Wednesday morning has the North Carolina Department of Transportation reinforcing the importance for drivers to be extra careful while traveling through a work zone – for their safety as well as the safety of their their passengers, other drivers and construction crews.
In Wednesday’s wreck, a dump truck on I-40 East drove off the road into a work area near Rock Quarry Road and struck a subcontractor’s truck, injuring two of its employees.
“Our concern is for the safety of our workers and motorists,” said Amir Nezarati, an NCDOT senior assistant resident engineer working on the Fortify project. “It is imperative that drivers are aware of the measures we have in place as part of our Work Zone Safety Program so they can get to and from their destination quickly and safely.”
NCDOT’s Work Zone Safety Program is designed to significantly reduce the number of work zone injuries and deaths in North Carolina by increasing work zone safety awareness and education across the state.
Here are a few of the program’s tips:
- Slow down: Note reduced speed limits in and around a work zone. Drivers convicted of speeding in a work zone face an additional $250 find beyond the ticket and court costs.
- Stay alert: Dedicate your full attention to the roadway.
- Pay close attention: Signs and work zone flaggers save lives.
- Turn on your headlights: Workers and other motorists must see you.
- Don’t tailgate.
- Keep up with the traffic flow.
- Don’t change lanes in the work zone.
- Minimize distractions: Avoid changing radio stations and using mobile phones while in the work zone.
- Expect the unexpected: Keep an eye out for workers and their equipment.
- Be patient: Remember that the work zone crew members are working to improve your future ride
Wednesday’s crash closed eastbound I-40 for more than three hours. Granite Construction was able to clean up oil and diesel fuel that spilled on the highway quickly enough to have travel lanes open in time for the morning rush hour.