It’s National Work Zone Awareness Week

We’ve been recognizing National Work Zone Awareness week which kicked off on Monday, aimed at keeping construction workers safe on our highways.

So what should do as a driver to do your part in keeping our road crews safe?

According to Texas Department of Transportation, traffic deaths in Texas work zones increased by 33% last year and killing almost 250 people.

Most of the time, it’s just a white line or cone separating fast moving traffic from working crews. That’s why it’s important to “move over or slow down” -- it’s the law.

In Texas, if there’s an emergency or active construction, you have to slow down 20 miles per hour below the speed limit or move over a lane. Traffic fines double in work zones when workers are present and can cost up to $2,000.

The “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” TXDOT campaign offers five tips for driving safely through a work zone:

1. Slow down. Follow the posted speed limit and adjust your driving to match road conditions.

2. Pay attention. Avoid distractions, keep your mind on the road and put your phone away.

3. Watch out for road crews. The only protective gear they wear is reflective clothing, a hardhat, and safety boots. Always follow flaggers’ instructions and be mindful of construction area road signs.

4. Don’t tailgate. Give yourself room to stop in a hurry, should you need to. Rear-end collisions are the most common kind of work zone crashes.

5. Allow extra time. Road construction can slow things down. Count on it, and plan for it.

Anavid Reyes

KPRC 2 traffic expert

Have a traffic question? I can help.

What do you want to know about Houston traffic? Ask here! And if you want your question answered live on TV, send me a video of yourself asking your traffic question in a private message on my Facebook page here!

Airports

The Transportation Security Administration extended its face mask requirement through May 3, 2022. TSA will extend the Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs for 15 days through May 3, 2022.

Recent questions

• What to know about the ‘Move over/slow down’ law now that DPS is stepping up enforcement
• First-ever hip-hop bike tour ‘Trill on Wheels’ takes you on a trip in Houston’s Third Ward

Construction closures

• Eastbound Connector Ramp to IH-610 East Loop Northbound will have a total closure from 9 a.m., Friday, April 15, until further notice.

Five big projects

• The Gulf Freeway Expansion
• The Grand Parkway
• The West Loop-Southwest Freeway Interchange Rebuild
• The SH 288 expansion
• The North Houston Highway Improvement Project

Get your traffic news, maps and route planner 24/7 at Click2Houston.com/traffic.