Work Zones:

A street or highway work zone warns of construction or maintenance activities that are on or adjacent to the road used by vehicles. The work zone may or may not actually interfere with the normal traffic flow, but it will usually contain activities that may tend to draw the driver's attention or otherwise distract a driver from traffic. It is very important to STAY ALERT in work zones and to be prepared at all times to react safely to unexpected conditions.

It is unlawful to drive a motor vehicle greater than the speed limit that is set and posted while driving in a work zone. A highway
work zone is the area between the first sign that indicates the beginning of a work zone and the last sign that indicates the end
of a work zone. The penalty for speeding in a work zone is
$250.00 if a sign is posted at the beginning of the zone listing the penalty. This penalty is required in addition to any other penalties assessed for the speeding conviction.

A highway work zone can be easily identified by unique orange warning signs immediately preceding the work zone. The orange signs with messages in black letters are reserved strictly to identify work zones. In addition to alerting drivers as they approach and enter work zones, black– on–orange signs are used within the work zone to convey specific information and directions to drivers as they travel through the work zone. Remember, black–on–orange signs identify work zones.

Examples of typical work zone signs:

The "flagger" sign warns drivers of construction or maintenance on the road ahead where a flagger wearing an orange vest is stationed at the site to control traffic. The flagger uses a "STOP/SLOW" paddle to either stop traffic or allow traffic to proceed. When you see the "Flagger" sign, STAY ALERT and be prepared to stop.

Warning signs alert drivers of unusual features or conditions that they are about to encounter.

How should you react to work zone warning signs?

• Recognize that when you see black-on-orange signs, you are about to enter a work zone and should STAY ALERT.
  
  
• Advance work zone signs may require you to take some action like shifting your vehicle to another lane.
  
  
• When you are expected to take some action, black-on-orange signs will convey the message far in advance, so you will have enough time to take the action.
  
  
• Do not wait until the last minute to take action - the signs provide sufficient time for the driver to react without impeding traffic.

Driving slower than the surrounding traffic is a major cause of rear–end crashes in work zones. In the work zone, driving areas may be confined, and there may be no maneuvering space or escape route for vehicles that unexpectedly approach a slow-moving vehicle ahead. Traffic control devices such as barricades, cones, drums, flaggers, etc., are used in work zones to guide and direct drivers safely through the work zone.

When driving through a work zone:

• STAY ALERT: Equipment and personnel are working very close to the roadway.
  
  
• Obey the signs.
  
  
• Maintain a steady speed consistent with the traffic flow unless otherwise directed.
  
  
• Do not slow your speed abruptly, which can create a hazard for the traffic behind you.