March 2002

Ohio highway work zones have dangerous history
BY ANGELA MULLINS
The Marietta Times

For most travelers the interstate is synonymous with speed.

The interstate is fastest way to get to a destination, without concerns about backed-up traffic, red lights or slow motorists, but many overlook or ignore orange barrels marking construction zones.
It's what law enforcement and highway personnel say has undermined efforts to keep motorists safe.

"The majority of accidents in work zones come from people simply not paying attention and traffic slowing in front of them," said Sgt. Anthony Lauer, with the Marietta Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol.

Tina Sheets, 49, of Vincent said construction zones can unnerve even the most cautious driver.

When there are arrows or signs that you have to go into the other lane you have to watch out for them. You have to watch out for other people period,Ó she said. ÒI think everyone has fears.Ó
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 872 people were killed in work zones in 1999 surpassing the 1994 record of 828. Between 1995 and 1999, motorists accounted for 84 percent of work zone fatalities.

While national numbers reflect increased fatalities, local law enforcement said accidents in work zones are few and far between with no recent fatalities. Statistical data is not recorded.

The largest ongoing project is work on the Interstate 77 bridge between Marietta and Williamstown. Since work began in March, northbound and southbound traffic has been traveling in one lane with no known accidents. Officials hope the trend will continue through the project completion date in November.

Incomplete statistics from 1999 show 23 fatal accidents occurred in Ohio construction zones compared to 24 in 1998. Since 1994, 124 fatal accidents have occurred in work sites.

Highway officials say the numbers aren't shocking considering the significant increase in roadway traffic over the past 10 years.
Tom Camden, studies engineer with the Ohio Department of Transportation, District 10, in Marietta, said highway officials are continuously concerned about accidents while cars are flying by at speeds reaching 70 mph.

He said the use of concrete barriers to mark northbound and southbound lanes has had a large impact on reducing the number of accidents.

"When we were using just the asphalt barriers about eight or nine years ago people were able to cross them and drive into oncoming traffic,Ó he said. ÒReally the key is keeping traffic separated and using the message boards to alert drivers about construction in advance. Preparing the driver is key."

Brighter colored construction barrels and signs are also credited with reducing deaths.

Camden said new laws regulating the lowering of speed limits and allowing for the doubling of fines will continue to keep motorists aware of the speedometer and in the end, give construction workers and travelers alike peace of mind.
"I think over the years we certainly have reached a point in technology that has allowed a lot of things to come into play,"Camden said. ÒEnforcement of speed limits continues to be one of the most important things.Ó
The Associated Press contributed.