How to stay focused on Arizona roads, keep highway crews safe

PHOENIX - Following several deaths on busy highways nationwide, the director of Arizona Department of Transportation is asking drivers to stay focused while on the road.

Officials say drivers sometimes don’t see ‘work ahead’ warning signs, or flashing lights on work crew trucks. But when drivers speed or get distracted, other motorists and highway workers are the ones who pay the price.

The most recent highway death in Arizona was in 2006, and a memorial is set up at the Sunset Point Rest Area on Interstate 17.

ADOT offers these tips for drivers:

• Expect the unexpected. Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be restricted, and people may be working on or near the road.

• Slow down! Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone accidents.

• Keep a safe distance. The most common type of accident in a work zone is a rear end collision. Maintain two car lengths between you and the car in front of you as well as road crews and their equipment.

• Pay attention. The warning signs are there to help you move safely through the work zone. Observe the posted signs.

• Obey road crew flaggers. The flagger knows what is best for moving traffic safely in the work zone. A flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign. You can be cited for disobeying his or her directions.

• Stay alert and minimize distractions. Dedicate your full attention to the roadway and avoid changing radio stations or using cell phones while driving in a work zone.

• Keep up with traffic flow. Motorists can help maintain traffic flow and posted speeds by merging as soon as possible. Do not drive right up to the lane closure and then try to barge in.

• Check road conditions. Schedule enough time to drive safely and check for traffic information by calling 5-1-1 or by going online .

• Be patient and stay calm. Remember, the road crews are working to improve the road and your commute.