NCDOT reviews safety measures after recent crashes in I-77 work zone

2225597297 47a462c395 ZThe North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is reviewing its safety measures after crashes in a work zone along Interstate 77 near Charlotte.

NCDOT is sending its work zone traffic safety specialist to provide further evaluation of the area, and says it is “reaffirming” its partnership with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol through the Helping All Work Zones Keep Safe (HAWKS) program in the corridor.

“It takes engineering, enforcement and education to make a work zone safe, but the most important work zone safety feature is the driver behind the wheel,” says State Traffic Engineer Kevin Lacy.

The agency reports its data indicates the crashes reported have been “less severe and less likely to result in serious injury or death,” with the most common types of crashes being rear-end collisions and sideswipes. These incidents, NCDOT reports, are typical for a work zone.

NCDOT also asks motorists to: not use their cell phone while driving; pay close attention and expect the unexpected; watch out for changing traffic patterns, workers and their equipment; and not tailgate.