Work Zone Safety

 

Each year, the Illinois Tollway along with the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Police commit to getting the word out that work zone safety affects drivers as well as construction workers. 

In 2023, our National Work Zone Awareness campaign is reminding the public that “You Play A Role in Work Zone Safety – Work With Us.”

There have been too many incidents where people have been killed or injured while doing their jobs building or maintaining roads. And it’s not just construction workers. Of the 141 work zone fatalities in Illinois between 2017 and 2021, 5 were workers and the rest were vehicle drivers or passengers.

Safety Tips for Driving in Work Zones

WATCH FOR WORKERS.
Keep an eye out for the safety colors of neon orange and yellow that all workers wear when on the roads.

SLOW DOWN WHETHER OR NOT WORKERS ARE PRESENT. It's the law.

  • Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you and follow the posted speed limit
  • Work zone traffic lanes are narrower than other lanes
  • Traffic patterns shift often
  • Pavement may be uneven in sections

PENALTIES FOR HITTING A WORKER ARE SEVERE.
The minimum penalty for speeding in a work zone:

  • $250 for the first offense
  • $750 minimum for second offense
  • Hitting a worker in a work zone could result in a fine of up to $25,000 and up to 14 years in jail

MOVE OVER.
Illinois law requires drivers to slow down and change lanes safely when approaching ANY vehicle with its hazard lights on, not just emergency and maintenance vehicles.

  • Reduce speed
  • Change lanes if possible
  • Proceed with caution

DROP IT AND DRIVE.
Using a hand-held phone while driving is illegal in Illinois. Keep your eyes on the road and off your phone.

PAY ATTENTION.
Watch for signs advising of traffic shifts, roadway incidents and other warnings.

DON'T TAILGATE.
One of the most common crashes in a work zone is a rear-end collision. In addition, traffic in work zones makes sudden stops.

IF YOU MUST PULL OVER OR ARE IN AN ACCIDENT IN THE WORK ZONE, STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE.
Call *999 for non-emergency roadway assistance.