‘Slow down and move over’: UDOT urges drivers to practice caution in work zones

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — With construction season ongoing in Utah, you may see more crews out on the roads — here’s what the Utah Department of Transportation said you should know to help keep them safe.

As it’s National Work Zone Awareness Week, UDOT released a video online to show the perspective of crews and remind drivers to do their part.

“Please drive like someone’s life depends on it. Because it does,” the post said.

Dani Marble, a transportation tech from the UDOT Logan shed, said vehicles driving at high speeds create unsafe working conditions for UDOT crews.

“A lot of high speed cars come past and almost hit you. You’ll see a few cars get over but typically they don’t slow down. They just blow right by you, and it’s just another day for them,” Marble said. “If you see road work signs and flashing lights, slow down and move over. We’re just trying to do our job.”

UDOT recommends drivers to follow these steps — expect the unexpected and watch for changing traffic patterns, slow down in work zones where the speed limit is reduced, and move over to give crews space to do their work.

Additionally, UDOT said to keep a safe distance between your vehicle and traffic barriers and other equipment, avoid unnecessary lane changes, avoid passing on the shoulder or driving across the median, and minimize distractions when driving.

“We all have families we need to get home to at the end of the day,” said Ryan Knighton, a contractor for Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction who works as a safety manager on UDOT’s 1800 N interchange project in Sunset. “With traffic coming up and down the highway at 75 mph, it can be very dangerous. Please, stay off your phones and pay attention.”

Visit the UDOT website or download the UDOT Traffic app for iPhone or Android to stay updated on the latest construction information.