Chief’s Column: It’s road construction season — protect yourself and workers
In recognition of National Work Zone Awareness Week, the Grafton Police Department would like to provide the following information for motorists who will find themselves travelling through construction zones, either on the highway or on local roadways.
From 2018-2021, there were 181 work zone-related crashes that resulted in a fatality or serious injury in Massachusetts. Please take a moment to reflect on the individuals who build, patrol and maintain the roads we travel on daily. Work zones are a sign to slow down!
If you see police, utility crews, roadside workers or emergency personnel when approaching a work zone, remember to Slow Down & Move Over. Let’s work together so that everyone can make it home safely at the end of the day. Here are some safety tips to help get you through those road construction zones you are bound to come across while driving during the warmer months ahead.
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED: Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed, and people may be working on or near the road. Watch traffic around you, and be prepared to react.
SLOW DOWN: Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes. Also, Fines may be doubled for moving traffic violations in a construction zone.
DON’T TAILGATE: Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you. The most common crash in a highway work zone is the rear end collision. So, don’t tailgate and watch for brake lights on vehicles ahead.
KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE BETWEEN YOUR VEHICLE, CONSTRUCTION WORKERS AND THEIR EQUIPMENT: Workers, work vehicles, or equipment may enter your lane without warning.
PAY ATTENTION TO THE SIGNS: The warning signs are there to help you and other drivers move safely through the work zone. Observe the posted signs until you see the one that says you’ve left the work zone.
OBEY POLICE OFFICERS AND TRAFFIC CONTROL PERSONNEL: Police officers and traffic control personnel know what is best for moving traffic safely in the work zone. You could be cited for failure to obey a police officer or traffic control personnel’s directions.
STAY ALERT AND MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS: Dedicate your full attention to the roadway. Avoid changing the radio station, using a cell phone, eating, or any other distractions that can remove your concentration from the road while driving in a work zone.
KEEP UP WITH THE TRAFFIC FLOW. Motorists can help maintain traffic flow and posted speeds by merging as soon as possible. Merge well before you reach the lane closure. Don’t drive right up to the lane closure and then try to barge in.
PLAN AHEAD: Schedule enough time to drive safely and check radio, TV or social media for traffic information before your trip. Expect delays and leave early or seek alternate routes so you can reach your destination on time.
BE PATIENT AND STAY CALM: Work zones aren’t there to personally inconvenience you. Remember, the work zone crew members are working to improve the road and make your future driving experience a better one.
Normand A. Crepeau, Jr.
Chief of Police
