our view

We’ve all been there. We’re driving to the store to pick up something we forgot, or we’re on our way to work. As we listen to an oldies station or a podcast, and scan for wandering children or wild turkeys, one of the sure signs of summer suddenly appears before us.

“ROAD WORK AHEAD”

Maybe it’s a utility company replacing lines. Or a crew sealing cracks in the asphalt and filling potholes. Maybe a sidewalk corner bump-out is being created, a shoulder is closed, a lane is closed off, a bridge resurfaced.

Maybe it’s a combination of some (or all) of the above. Could be worse: The familiar orange sign could read “DETOUR” — and who knows what convoluted path we’re about to be sent along to get where we’re going.

Whatever it is, our simple trip to the store or the office isn’t so simple anymore, and we sit there in neutral working our way through denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance as we wait for the flagger to turn their handheld STOP sign around and wave us through.

We’re a month late for National Work Zone Safety Week but, then again, we’re a month late for the arrival of more seasonal weather — when crews from the Jackson County Roads Department will be out in force, taking advantage of the conditions to continue multiple projects of various sizes.

Equally important, however, is that they’re not the only ones at those sites who have a job to do.

“Our crews are experiencing more close calls than ever,” Kris Strickler, director of the Oregon Department of Transportation, said recently. “And a ‘close call’ is mere inches from becoming a crash.”

ODOT reports that there are an average of 27 near-miss incidents a month in work zones, while there are averages of eight fatalities and 26 serious injuries a year as the result of accidents.

And while there are reported cases of such extreme behavior as drivers simply ignoring flaggers and driving around those stop signs, the key culprit behind work zone incidents is exactly what you might expect.

Inattentiveness.

Straying over the boundaries established for the work area; coming into close proximity, or striking equipment or crew members; and, of course, speeding are all common mistakes or offenses drivers are prone to making.

ODOT reminds all drivers to simply pay attention at all times, but be extra cautious during peak construction season. It doesn’t take that much effort to follow instructions — whether from signs or flaggers. Focus on where you are on the road in relation to the crew members and vehicles.

And, if you’re tempted to ignore speed limits, keep in mind: Fines are double in work zones, whether or not workers are present.

We’re not in that much of a hurry to get to work, but if you are, check the Jackson County Roads website at jacksoncountyor.org/roads/Roads/Current-Projects to see where and when work is being done in your area.

Remember, common sense and common courtesy are all that are required to keep a momentary annoyance from turning into a more serious problem.