As our state has begun to gradually reopen over the last few weeks, we’ve started to see an influx of traffic on our Ohio highways. This, combined with the typical traffic increase we see every summer, has all of us at I Build America – Ohio focused on safety surrounding our roadway constructions sites more than ever before. Even though Safety Week was postponed until later in the year, we believe in taking proper safety measures every day…and by every one. Both construction crews and motorists share responsibility for roadway safety.
Today, we share some of the best ways to ensure safety from the driver’s seat and the construction site.
Drivers, before you set out on your road trip, whether that just takes you to your local park or to your favorite destination on the other side of the state, make sure your car is up-to-date on its routine maintenance. From your car’s battery to tires, it’s important to check it all to easily prevent an accident. Too often, issues from individual cars arise on the road, creating a domino effect of problems for others.
Once you’re on the road, whenever you see an alert announcing active construction sites ahead, slow down and stay alert, rather than speed up and try to cut people off and get to the front of the pack.
Construction crews, setting these warning zones early will help divert traffic safely around your worksite. But communicating with drivers doesn’t end there. Once drivers approach the jobsite, they need clear directions for how to bypass the construction site efficiently. Install barriers that will direct traffic away from the site, protecting workers as they pass by. Keep in mind, these messages might need to change regularly. For those working on the jobsite, it’s important to have a thorough transportation management plan in place to adjust as needed. This can change day by day, so it’s important to work together as a team to stay up-to-speed on ever-changing job site conditions.
As you can see, there is responsibility on both parts. Different, but equally important. In some instances, they share the same responsibility. Drivers and workers alike should prioritize protecting themselves while on the road. Drivers should always wear a seatbelt and workers should keep on protective, high-visibility clothing. This kind of personal responsibility saves lives. At night, protecting yourself means alerting others. Ample lighting coming from each car and jobsite as well as extra alertness by all goes a long way when it comes to roadside safety.
Another form of protection to consider on Ohio roads in the summer is against excessive heat and dehydration. Asphalt absorbs heat, increasing the surrounding temperature. Workers should focus on staying hydrated and taking time out of the sun to cool off. And, if your car’s AC is out, keep plenty of water on hand and fresh air flowing. this link for gambling
Stay tuned for the rescheduled Safety Week dates and events! In the meantime, stay safe on our roads, Ohioans. Together, we can keep everyone safe while making immense progress.
Photo submitted to I Build America – Ohio by Ohio CAT.
