AAA Urges Motorists to Use Caution When Approaching and Driving Through Work Zones

Increased funding for transportation projects means drivers can expect increased road and bridge construction activity during this year's summer driving season

WASHINGTON, July 8, 2009; As the summer driving season kicks into full gear, AAA, the nation's largest motoring organization, urges motorists to use caution and practice safe driving habits when approaching and driving through work zones. In light of the enactment of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, which included $27 billion for states and localities to repair and build highways, roads and bridges, Americans preparing for summer road trips should expect to encounter greater numbers of work zones and construction activity.

"Given the backlog of transportation needs across the country, AAA advocated dedicating a portion of the economic recovery funds to transportation," said AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet. "It's important for the driving public to be aware of the increased construction activity and to adjust to changing driving conditions and work zones when they encounter them, especially during this peak travel period," added Darbelnet.

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), motorists can expect to encounter an active work zone one out of every 100 miles on the National Highway System. In 2007, 835 people were killed nationally in work zone motor vehicle crashes. It's estimated that nearly four out of every five people injured or killed in work zone crashes are motorists, not roadway construction workers.

AAA offers the following work zone safety tips to motorists:

Plan Ahead -- Motorists are encouraged to check for planned work zone delays, traffic advisories and allot extra travel time prior to departing for their trip. Free to all travelers, the AAA TripTik(R) Travel Planner online mapping tool, available at AAA.com, provides motorists with the latest road construction and traffic congestion information and motorists can plan and select alternative travel routes to their destinations.

Stay Alert -- Motorists should obey the directions of any police officer, firefighter or road crew flagger and follow any posted work zone advisories and signage. Temporary work zone signs are orange and nearly always diamond-shaped. As with any driving situation, minimize interior and exterior distractions. Construction zones may contain unusual vehicles or machinery that can divert a driver's attention. Drivers should be prepared to stop, slow down, shift lanes and yield to the movement of construction workers and equipment. Motorists should not turn off their vehicles when stopped on the roadway unless they will be idling for a significant period of time.

Reduce Speed -- For the safety of all drivers and construction workers, normal posted speed limits are almost always reduced in work zones. Most states double fines for speeding in work zones when workers are present. Motorists, while keeping consistent with the flow of traffic, should maintain a safe distance between vehicles ahead, traffic barriers and construction workers and equipment.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.