Respect the Zone
"Work zones are popping up all over the place — some have been up and going for two or three months now, but summer weather comes into effect more and more all the way until the end of the year," said Matt Schalburg, INDOT Highway Maintenance Technician. "You're going to see work zones anywhere, anytime all across this state."
INDOT West Central Public Relations Director Blake Dollier has some disquieting statistics: In 2024 in Hoosier work zones and work zone backups, there were more than 7,000 crashes. More than 1,500 crashes resulted in injuries, and there were 30 fatalities.
"These numbers are quite scary, and they're numbers we're always trying to reduce," Dollier said.
INDOT work zones are assiduously marked well in advance.
"You need to look out for the early warning signs — they'll read, "Road Work Ahead — two miles ahead, one mile ahead,'" Schalburg said. "And the speed zones reducing the speed — that's key, getting your speed down so you can react and be safe in that zone — not just you and your passengers, but also the road crews out there working."
"We just encourage everybody to think about this for a moment," Dollier added. "Think about all the workers out there on the highways trying to make it safer for you, the traveling public. And think about yourself, because four out of five people injured or killed in a work zone are a driver or passenger."
He added, "Slow down, buckle up, put the cell phones down, avoid distracted driving. Just be mindful of all those things that go on this time of year. If you see that work zone speed limit, be sure to let off the gas a little bit and slow your speed down so that you're being safe to protect everyone out there."
Road work zones aren't necessarily inactive when the sun goes down.
"There are activities that take place at night because of the reduced traffic patterns, and sometimes in the area they're working at, that's the best time to do things," Schalburg said. "So it's not only daylight hours that you need to be prepared and watch out for these signs and the construction, but it's nighttime hours. You may think that people would be off the road work at 5 p.m., but it's not necessarily true."
Schalburg and Dollier were standing next to an INDOT truck that had been struck by a semi recently on I-70, and Schalburg said he has been involved in work zone accidents.
"I've been in that situation many times," he said. "Several years ago, there was a freak accident and I got injured. I had to dodge a car and basically take off and run. I had flagging paddles, and the car just would not pay attention — every step I moved, they followed me."
Motorists should follow these guidelines for traveling through work zones:
• Phones and electronic devices should be down at all times – it's the law.
• Obey the signs that will help you safely navigate work zones, and even avoid delays.
• Posted speed limits are there for the safety of both workers and drivers.
• Be on the lookout for slowed or stopped traffic.
• Give yourself time to react. Avoid following too closely and maintain at least two seconds of space in front of you.
• Consider the limitations of heavy equipment, trucks and commercial vehicles. Provide them extra distance to come to a complete stop if they are behind you.
• A work zone can take many forms, from a maintenance crew patching potholes or collecting litter to a major interstate reconstruction. If orange signs are nearby, slow down and save lives.
Schalburg reiterated INDOT's National Work Zone Awareness Week motto:
"Respect the zone so that we can all home," he said. "Not just us and our contractors, but you yourself and your families, there's a responsibility to get home safe, as well."
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