Macomb County Department of Roads urges motorists to help keep work zones safe: How you drive will keep them alive

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. - Between state, county and local projects, there will be hundreds of work zones throughout Macomb County this year. As part of National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), which takes place April 21-25, the Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR) is urging drivers to remain alert and practice caution to keep themselves and road workers safe.

"This week serves as a crucial reminder for motorists to prioritize safety in work zones where construction and maintenance activities are underway," said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. "Road crews perform essential work to keep our roads and bridges safe and how you drive will keep them alive. It's everyone's responsibility to ensure all road workers get home safely to their loved ones."

Work zones are active environments where workers and equipment operate near moving traffic. To help keep the roads as safe as possible for everyone, MCDR strongly encourages drivers to practice these driving tips:

• Plan ahead. Expect and plan for delays and leave early to reach your destination on time. When you can, avoid work zones altogether by using alternate routes. For a list of Macomb County construction projects and information or to sign up for construction and traffic updates, visit macombgov.org/macombworkzone.
• Obey road crews and signs. When approaching a work zone, watch for cones, barrels, signs, large vehicles or workers in bright-colored vests to warn you and direct you where to go.
• Slow down. Look for signs indicating the speed limit through the work zone. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you and follow the posted speed limit.
• Move over. Most state move-over laws apply when passing work crews and official vehicles parked on the shoulder with flashing warning lights.
• Avoid distractions. Keep your eyes on the road and off your phone at all times.
• Watch for sudden stoppages. Don't make sudden lane changes in front of trucks that are trying to slow down.

"Macomb County works closely with local contractors and engineers to keep our work zones safe and to build some of the strongest roads in Michigan," said MCDR Director Bryan Santo. "Drivers can do their part by slowing down, putting their phones down, focusing on the roadway and driving responsibly."

MCDR's annual construction and maintenance operations are underway, which includes significant work across the region. For a complete list of projects, maps and information, visit macombgov.org/macombworkzone.

This year's National Work Zone Awareness Week theme is 'respect the zone so we all get home.' For more information about National Work Zone Awareness Week and tips for safe driving in work zones, visit nwzaw.org.

Media Contact
Eric Dimoff
586-840-1759
edimoff@rcmcweb.org

Department:Department of Roads

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