Slow for the Cone Zone

Caltrans Awareness Campaign Continues To Reduce Collisions
But State Warns Drivers to Slow Down and Be Safe or Face Big Fines.
Reprinted from the California Department of Transportation

An important effort for driver safety in California, Caltrans launched the 'Slow for the Cone Zone' campaign in 1999 to help reduce collisions, injuries and deaths by educating people about the dangers of unsafe driving in highway construction and maintenance zones, commonly known as work zones. This year's campaign officially kicked off on April 7 when Governor Schwarzenegger proclaimed the week as 'Work Zone Awareness Week' in California.

Now, with highway work zone deaths seeing a significant drop and work zone collisions decreasing between 20-40 percent in any given year from the 1998 peak, it's clear that campaign efforts have been working. However, with the amount of construction on state highways continuing to increase, it's clear more must be done to continue to promote driver safety to Californians while they commute throughout the state.

But, despite these encouraging statistics, not everyone has gotten the message. In fact, the California Highway Patrol issues more than 2,200 citations for speeding in work zones every year. While drivers might get to their destination faster, it could cost them in more ways than one. Not only do drivers risk their own safety and that of their passengers and other commuters, but anyone caught breaking traffic laws in a work zone when workers are present will pay twice the normal citation; in some cases, this could mean a fine totaling $1,000 or more.

However, drivers aren't the only ones who pay. As part of its ongoing maintenance efforts, Caltrans replaces 120,000 cones destroyed in work zones each year, to the tune of $1.87 million cost to taxpayers annually. But while we can put a price on the impact to drivers' and the state's pocketbooks, what we can't do is put a price on the number of lives lost each year because of reckless or unsafe driving in highway work zones - 85 percent of people who die in work zones aren't on the job, they are drivers, passengers and pedestrians just like you.

That's why this year Caltrans is asking everyone to take simple steps to prevent citations, injuries and/or deaths. Caltrans wants people to follow these simple tips when driving in or near work zones. They will help people avoid fines, and possibly save a life.

• Look to your local newspaper for information on construction projects that could affect your area, and plan your commute to include time for traffic detours or delays.
• Pay attention when approaching a work zone. Things can change fast with lanes narrowing, workers directing traffic and construction vehicles entering and leaving roadways.
• Minimize distractions by putting down your coffee or cell phone and diverting all of your concentration to the roadway.
• Finally - slow down - it will give everyone more time to survey the situation and make the safe decision.

It is in each and every driver's best interest to Slow for The Cone Zone both to avoid a costly traffic citation and more importantly, to ensure your life and the lives of Caltrans workers are safe.

For more information visit these websites:
California Department of Transportation (www.dot.ca.gov)
The I-5 Fix it Project (www.fixi5.com)