Motorists: Be cautious in work zones

VW independent/submitted information

COLUMBUS — Although summer is winding down, road construction is still in full swing.

ODOT suspends work on most construction projects during busy holiday weekends; however, motorists should still leave distance between vehicles, reduce speed, and stay alert – especially in work zones.

“ODOT has seen an alarming rise in crashes and fatalities in Ohio’s work zones, where drivers and passengers are more than twice as likely as workers to be victims,” said ODOT Director Jerry Wray. “Last year, Ohio had the highest number of work zone crashes in a decade.”

Motorists can avoid traffic tie-ups during this holiday weekend by using ODOT’s new mobile app – OHGO – for personal traffic alerts, information on road construction and travel delays, and hands-free voice on the go. The app is free and is available on the App Store and Google Play.

ODOT and the Ohio State Highway Patrol are joining forces this weekend to remind motorists to “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” So far this year, there have been 214 alcohol-related traffic deaths. Ohio recorded 346 for all of 2015.