The Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio State Highway Patrol are working together to raise awareness about work zone safety this season through their Work Zone Awareness Week.
It may seem like common sense, but the best way to stay safe is to stay engaged, especially when you are driving through construction zones like that on I-77 near I-480 in Independence.
Seventeen people have died driving through work zones across Ohio roadways in 2014, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation.
ODOT crews have reports of ten accidents in the I-77 work zone during the 2014 phase of the project.
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"Unfortunately in this work zone they do see a lot of crashes because people aren't paying attention," says ODOT District 12 spokesperson Amanda McFarland. "They're not ready for the lane merges or the lane shifts."
Crews are working to replace the bridge deck and improve drainage on I-77 between I-480 and Grant Avenue. The work zone involves crossover traffic patterns, closed lanes and a reduced speed.
ODOT and OSHP recommend these simple tips to decrease the number of accidents and work zone fatalities.
- Give yourself extra time for your commute through construction zones.
- Keep your eyes on the road and be aware of what's going on around you.
- Put your cell phone down and keep your attention on the task at hand, which is driving.
- Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Give yourself a reactionary gap.
- Slow down.
Drivers can expect to see more orange barrels and construction signs on Northeast Ohio roadways.
McFarland says there are 20 to 30 more construction projects this season in District 12, compared to 2014. Drivers can prepare to see about 80 active construction projects in Lake, Cuyahoga and Geauga counties this summer.
