Safe driving in work zones encouraged

The week of April 7 to 11 is National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week. More than 1,000 fatalities occur in work zones across the United States each year, a number that has risen 45 percent in the past 10 years. Statistics show that 85 percent of those killed in work zone accidents are drivers or vehicle occupants. Additionally, more than 40,000 people nationwide are injured each year in work zone accidents.

RIDOT offers the following tips for safe driving in a work zone:

Slow down: Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes. Read the signs: Signage and flashing arrows are used to guide you and other drivers to move safely through the work zone. Don't engage in distracting activities: Dedicate your full attention to the roadway and avoid changing radio stations or using a cell phone while driving in a work zone. Merge as soon as possible: Don't drive right up to the lane closure and then try merging in. Expect delays: Leave early so you can reach your destination on time.

Be patient and stay calm: Remember that work zones are not established to personally inconvenience you.