Work zone safety tips
By From staff reports
Published in News on April 12, 2018 5:50 AM
In North Carolina, if you injure someone in a crash -- including crashes in work zones -- you are responsible for a person's injuries and any traffic violations that are issued as a result of your involvement in the crash.
If there is a fatality as a result of the crash -- including crashes in work zones -- you could be charged with vehicular manslaughter.
Local district attorneys review each case based on the circumstances and make the decisions on whether to bring charges against the driver.
Even though workers might not be present in work zones, motorists should still expect narrowed or closed lanes, traffic shifts and reduced speed limits as well as other conditions that might affect normal travel.
Speeding in designated work zones can result in a penalty of $250, plus court costs.
Keep these tips in mind when traveling through a work zone:
* Stay alert: Dedicate your full attention to the roadway.
* Pay close attention: Signs and work zone flaggers save lives.
* Watch out for road debris.
* Turn on your headlights: Workers and other motorists must see you.
* Don't tailgate.
* Don't speed: Be patient and obey posted speed limits. The penalty for speeding through a marked work zone is $250.
* Keep up with the traffic flow.
* Don't change lanes in a work zone.
* Minimize distractions: Avoid changing radio stations and using mobile phones while driving in a work zone.
* Expect the unexpected, and keep an eye out for workers and their equipment.
* Watch out for road debris.
* Don't drink and drive.
* Use alternate routes, when possible, to avoid traffic congestion.
* Leave early to get a head start on your drive and travel at non-peak times.
For more information, including driving safety tips, visit www.ncdot.gov/programs/workzonesafety.