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Idea to send: |
| Topic | Road Construction Safety |
| Content | I've noticed recently that speed limits are reduced in "Construction Zones," in areas where no construction occurs over a long period of time. For example, west of Oklahoma City on I-40, the speed limit is 55, but there are 6 lanes open total and no construction has happened for the past month or so. I noticed this on Will Rogers' Turnpike over the summer, also.
I think this is the reason why motorists ignore the speed limit postings in Construction Zones. So many times, you go through Construction Zones and there are no changes in the lanes and you don't see people working. I think it is similar to the "Boy Who Cried Wolf" story: People see Construction Zones all the time and become acclimated to ignoring the speed signs.
I know that there is a danger of construction workers being injured, so states have tried to raise traffic fines in Construction Zones. While this is one solution to the problem, I think that it would be more effective to possibly have signs outside of Construction Zones to let people know when work really is ensuing (Like "Work in Progress" or something similar). Perhaps the 55 speed limit signs would be posted on such days, but on days when no construction (or lane closures) is occuring, the lower speed limit signs could be covered up and the "Work in Progress" sign could be removed. I think a "Work in Progress" sign would go nicely on the orange diamond signs at the outside of Construction Zones.
I think more consistency with warnings and actual work would help motorists be careful on days when work really is occuring, to avoid injuries in accidents and to construction workers. |
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