GDOT article detail
Imagine this: You’re driving down the highway, playing music, thinking about your long day. Then, up ahead, you see those bright orange signs "Construction Ahead." At that moment, you have a choice - you can slow down, stay alert, and drive cautiously, or you can keep going as if nothing’s changed. But here’s the thing. Those work zones aren’t just a temporary inconvenience. They’re active job sites where real people -fathers, mothers, friends and neighbors - are out doing essential work to benefit you, your travels and ultimately your communities, often just feet away from passing traffic. Work Zone Safety is about protecting the lives of those who help maintain and improve the roads we all rely on.
The decisions we make behind the wheel matter. What you do next could mean the difference between someone making it home safely or not.
The Biggest Risks in Work Zones
Work zones are designated sections of a roadway where construction, maintenance, or utility work is taking place. These areas are usually clearly marked with warning signs, cones, barriers, pavement markings, and work vehicles with flashing lights to alert and guide drivers safely through or around the zone. Work zones are a workplace full of courageous people who want to make it home to their families just like you. Unfortunately, the biggest threats to their safety come from driver’s behavior. The top four dangers are:
Speeding
Rushing through a work zone leaves no room for error. Drivers should be driving slower than the speed limit to avoid accidents in the work zone.
Distracted Driving
Work Zones are unpredictable. Lanes can shift, traffic slows down and can stop suddenly, or equipment might move unexpectedly. Looking away for even a moment can mean missing a critical change.
Impaired Driving
Being under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or feeling drowsy impairs motorists' ability to see clearly, and causes delay to their overall coordination when quick decisions need to be made on the road especially in work zones.
Not Moving Over
Failing to move over for roadside workers is dangerous and illegal. A simple lane change or slowing down can save lives. Please move over, it matters…and it’s Georgia law.
According to Dave Adams, State Safety Program Manager, nearly 80% of crashes resulting in serious injuries or fatalities are linked to at least one of these risky driving behaviors. It’s important for everyone to be responsible and take work zone safety seriously.
Understanding Work Zone Signs: The Roadmap to Safety
When you see that first "Construction Ahead" sign, take the following actions:
Slow down
Federal guidelines are in place to help keep work zones safe, and speed limits in these areas typically range from 45 to 55 miles per hour. These reduced speeds give both drivers and workers more time to react to unexpected or dangerous situations. In most cases, you’ll also see advance warning signs letting you know a slower speed zone is coming up.
Look for more signs
The signs are there to keep you in the know about lanes shifting, lane closures, or nearby workers. Ignoring the signs or flagger’s directions is risky and could lead to fines or land you in serious legal trouble.
Keep a safe distance
Tailgating other cars is dangerous, especially with sudden stops, shifting or closed lanes, inclement weather, and uneven pavement.
Being aware of these signs helps everyone get to their destination safely, including you.
The Move Over Law: More Than Just a Rule
In 2011, Georgia HERO operator Spencer Pass tragically lost his life while assisting a stranded motorist on I-85. In response, the Georgia legislature enacted the Spencer Pass Law, officially known as
The Move Over Law. This law mandates that drivers approaching stationary emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights must either move over a lane or, if unable to do so safely, slow down to a reasonable speed below the posted limit and be prepared to stop.
When you don’t move over, it’s possible that you could cause a fatal crash that leads to a vehicular homicide charge or:
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You could face legal fees and court costs.
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Your insurance rates could skyrocket.
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The least you could get is a fine of up to $500.
When someone senselessly loses their life while working, it has a ripple effect that impacts their loved ones left behind, community, and beyond. Your decisions can help ensure those people who risk their lives every day to improve our roads and those traveling through work zones make it home safely every day.
What You Can Do to Help
Work zones can be unpredictable, but your driving doesn’t have to be. Share the responsibility by making a difference:
When you see construction signs, start slowing down immediately.
Stay alert! Remember, Georgia is a “hands-free” state. Put the phone down and keep your eyes on the road.
Move over or slow down whenever you see roadside workers.
Small actions make a big impact. One cautious decision could save a life.
As GDOT spokesperson Natalie Dale said during a recent
Ahead of the Curve podcast episode:
Some of these driver behavior issues that cost our workers their lives or cost motorists their lives can be changed in seconds, by buckling the seat belts, or putting down your phones.
Work zone safety is about the people behind the cones and barricades being as safe as possible while working, and that includes drivers , like you doing your part. The next time you drive through a work zone, think of them. Slow down. Pay attention. Move over. Don’t drive distracted or drowsy. Everyone deserves to make it home safely.
To learn more about Work Zone Safety and how you can do your part to keep everyone safe, listen to The Ahead of the Curve podcast featuring Sharon Morales, Georgia DOT State Safety Manager, and Dave Adams, Georgia DOT State Safety Program Manager. For additional information, visit
2025 National Work Zone Awareness Week.
RESPECT THE ZONE SO WE ALL GET HOME!
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