Work Zone Safety

The City of Ottumwa Engineering Department is reminding drivers to be prepared for varying driving conditions in construction areas.   Drivers can expect work zones to interrupt their usual driving habits. In work zones along any road, major or minor, be ready for unexpected conditions.

In work zones normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed, and people and vehicles may be working on or near the road.  Be aware of the diamond-shaped orange warning signs that are generally posted in advance of road construction projects.  In addition to other warning signs, a “flagger ahead” warning sign may be posted in a work zone. Be ready to follow the flagger’s directions. In a work zone, a flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign and drivers can be cited for disobeying his or her directions.

The most important thing for drivers to do is to remain calm. Work zones aren’t there to personally inconvenience anybody. They’re necessary to improve the roads for everyone.  Slow down when the signs say to. Statistically, the most common crash in work zones are rear-end collisions. Leave plenty of braking distance between you and the car in front of you.

Motorists are urged to keep a safe distance between their vehicle and traffic barriers, trucks, construction equipment and workers.  Iowa law doubles the fine for moving violations issued in a posted work zone.  Drivers should be ready for delays and plan ahead to reach your destination on time.