Five Tips for Safe Driving Through Construction Work Zones; Slow Down and Stay Alert, Say Highway Safety Experts at Zurich North America.

Business Editors

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 1, 2001

Every year, an estimated 40,000 Americans die or are injured driving through or working in construction work zones on our nation's highways.

The problem is worst in the summer and fall, when road construction is at its peak and more people are out on the roads. Simply slowing down can help save thousands of lives, say experts at Zurich North America Construction, part of a broad consortium of construction industry and government organizations that recently sponsored the first-ever Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America's Highway Work Zone Safety Summit in Washington, D.C.

"Three out of every four work zone fatalities are motorists, not construction workers," said Billy Miller, senior risk engineer for Zurich North America Construction, and a member of the AGC's National Health and Safety Committee. "Fortunately, there are some simple steps that people can take to make their commute or weekend driving safer for motorists and construction workers alike." Zurich experts offer the following tips for safe passage through construction work zones:

1. Don't let visibility lull you into a false sense of security:

Always be aware of your surroundings, and slow down when

approaching and traveling through work zones. Focus on your

travel lane, road conditions, and adjacent traffic. Don't get

distracted by construction activity occurring in the zone.

Always make sure, however, to be aware of signaling personnel.

2. Don't wait until the last minute to slow down. Start slowing

down to the posted speed limit and begin moving over as soon

as you see signs announcing construction zones. Otherwise, the

vehicles behind you may not have enough time to respond,

increasing the possibility of a chain reaction collision.

3. Give large trucks a wide berth. Large trucks are involved in

47% of all work zone-related accidents resulting in injury. If

possible, avoid driving in a truck's blind spot (if you can't

see the mirrors, the driver can't see you), watch for turning

or changing lanes, and keep a safe distance when driving

behind a truck.

4. Avoid driving at rush hour: Plan your trip so that you're