Work zone driving in Oklahoma requires extra care

Work zone traffic crashes happen more often in Oklahoma than you’d think. Here are three stories from the state Health Department.

• Two road workers, ages 57 and 35, were struck by a motor vehicle traveling about 80 mph. They were standing next to a paving machine parked in the median of a road and surrounded by traffic cones. The oncoming driver looked down to adjust his radio and veered into the median.

• A 21-year-old man was working in a roadway construction zone just after midnight when a drunken driver passed behind a barrier, drove through a sign and struck a parked pickup before hitting the man and two co-workers.

• A 44-year-old highway worker was struck by a vehicle whose driver fell asleep at the wheel.

Work Zone Safety Awareness Week starts April 19. Do all you can to protect highway workers. Expect the unexpected, slow down, don’t tailgate and pay attention to signs.

When approaching a construction zone, merge into the "through” lane early, be patient, stay calm and minimize distractions as you drive.

Best tip: As you plan summer road trips, check your routes carefully to avoid highway construction zones.

Chuck Mai is vice president of public affairs for AAA Oklahoma. E-mail him at chuck.mai@aaaok.org.