MN/DOT WORK ZONE SAFETY SPEAKERS BUREAU

Presentation Guide

9/11/09

Mn/DOT Work Zone Safety Awareness Presentation Guide

This program is to be used in conjunction with teaching the 55 Alive and Driver’s Education courses. The presentation takes from 30 – 60 minutes. Materials in this program include:

• A PowerPoint presentation (laptop and projector with be needed) with presenter’s guide.

• The video “Anatomy of a Winter Storm” and two video clips “Stay Back Stay Alive” and “ In The Office”

• A Work Zone Safety Awareness Quiz. • Presentation Information Evaluation Form.

Students will receive information on:

• The definition of a Work Zone. • The “Blind Zone” for snowplows. • How to drive safely near snowplows. • The definition of a “Snow Cloud”. • What safety devices are found in a work zone. • How to read warning signs, and their importance to the motorist. • Rules for emergency stopping on freeways. • How to drive a roundabout.

If you have questions on the material and how to present it, see the list of contact at: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/const/wzs/index.html Please take a few minutes to fill out the Presentation Information Evaluation Form. Let us know how we may improve on this stand-alone program.

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MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION© Copyright 1998. All rights reserved.

MINNESOTA SPEAKERS BUREAUMINNESOTA SPEAKERS BUREAU

WORK ZONE SAFETY WORK ZONE SAFETY

AWARENESS TRAININGAWARENESS TRAINING

(Transition) Sample: When we think of Work Zones many of us typically think of an area sectioned off by orange cones and barricades. Today we are going to expand that definition…

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DEFINITION OF A WORKZONE

• On or by a roadway

• Construction or maintenance

•Emergency/law enforcement

•Stopped motorist

(Use a pointer throughout the presentation to point out specific items and help clarify slides.)

(Definition of a Work Zone) (Read the definition to the group adding work zones are also any striping, sweeping or snowplowing operation.)

(Why Care?) Why should you care about Work Zone Safety?

(A few reasons…) Here are a few reasons why… (go to next slide)

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WINTER WINTER WORK ZONE SAFETYWORK ZONE SAFETY

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WEIGHT DIFFERENTIALSnowplow Versus Car

Snowplow = 51,000 lbs. 1 car = 3000 lbs.

1 Snowplow = 17 cars

(Read the slide.)

Let’s look at some work zone scenarios specific to snowplows.

Pay special attention to the scenes involving snow clouds. (Run the first video segment)

Video 1 – (Anatomy of a Winter Storm) 6 minutes. (Have video qued up ahead of time.)

Let’s take another quick look at snow clouds. (Run second video segment)

Video 2 – (PSA “Stay Back Stay Alive”) 30 seconds. (Stay by controls to turn off quickly at the end.)

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(Explain the 8 second rule.) Depending on road and visibility conditions, maintain a minimum of an 8 second separation distance between your vehicle and any snowplow or other moving work zone.

DRIVING TIPS Let’s look at some driving tips that will help you stay alive. (next slide)

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NEVER DRIVE BLINDLY INTO A SNOW CLOUD!

(Note wings) Note that wings and other vehicles can be hidden in snow clouds. Some wings may have lights. Wings can be located on the left or right side.

(Plow 25 – 35 m.p.h.) Snowplows inside cloud can be traveling at much lower speeds than other traffic—enhancing the possibility for collision.

(Motto should be…) “STAY BACK STAY ALIVE”

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DISCHARGE DIRECTIONOne Way Road

(Usually L to R) May come from either right or left sides, usually plowed L to R.

(May be R to L) But may be plowed right to left.

(Debris inside) Never drive into snow being moved or discharge by the plow—there may be debris inside such as rocks, mufflers, dead animals, etc.

(Yield at on ramps) There is a winner and loser in this situation. Who will win and who will lose? Why? What should you do? (Point to car on ramp) Yield to a plow when entering a roadway. Don’t rush to get ahead of plow.

Always yield to the plow.

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YIELD TO MERGING PLOW

(Merge from ramp) Yield when plow is merging on to roadway from a ramp.

(Changing lanes) Yield to plow changing lanes.

(Signals snow covered) Watch as plows begin to move into your lane—turn signals may be covered with snow—staying back will allow plow to enter lane with less danger of collision.

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Tandem Plowing

(Never go between) Never drive between plows. You will encounter snow, ice and the snowplow’s wing.

(Multiple plows in cloud) Snow clouds occur during gang plowing.

(Follow patiently) Follow patiently; don’t take a chance by passing.

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RIBBONS & WINGING(two-lane road narrow shoulder)

Ribbon is a line of snow on the centerline of the roadway.

(Ribbon—plow over center) When plow is over center line, on a 2-way road, keep to right to allow complete clearing of ribbon.

Winging is when the extra left or right plow on truck is engaged in the plowing of snow. (Point to wing on truck)

(Winging—plow in lane) During winging operation plow may be fully or partially in traffic lane and may be traveling very slow.

(Swing out at guard rail) Plow may suddenly turn out into the traffic lane at obstacles like guard rail or bridges.

(Can occur on clear days) Plowing and winging and other operations like anti-icing can occur on clear days with dry road conditions.

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OPERATORFIELD OF VISION

“BLIND ZONES”

(12’ plow, 9’ wing—avg. truck 8’) A typical snowplow has a 12’ plow and a 9’ wing, while the average large truck is only 8’ wide.

(Blind zones) (Point out the many blind zones on the diagram)

(Poor backing visibility) Backing visibility is poor.

(Storm visibility poor) Storm conditions may reduce visibility as well. Remember the 8 second rule.

(Motorist lights on) Motorists should keep their lights on so they can be more visible to the snowplow operator. It is the law in Minnesota to have vehicle lights on when driving in inclement weather conditions.

(Tips confusing? Slogan…) Do all these tips seem confusing or hard to remember? You’ll be safe if you simply remember to honor the slogan… STAY BACK STAY ALIVE.

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Actual view from inside a snow plow.

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BLACK ICE

Black Ice is invisible ice. From the car, we can’t tell that it’s on the roadway. Here area few things to remember.

1. Black ice often forms quickly on bridges, because they are always 5 degrees colder.

2. A large portion of accidents involve a 4-wheel drive vehicle that is “over driven” on ice. 4-wheel drive vehicles aren’t invincible.

3. Another major cause of accidents is having cruise control on when road conditions are icy.

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ConstructionConstructionWork Zone SafetyWork Zone Safety

Now that we’ve talked about snowplows, let’s discuss summer time work zone safety.

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WORK ZONE SAFETY DEVICES

(Merge traffic) Any of these devices may be used to merge traffic or mark hazards.

(Closed lanes) They may also be used to close lanes, ramps, and roadways.

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SAMPLE SIGN

SEQUENCE

(Obey sign ASAP) Don’t become complacent and ignore road signs. Obey their warnings as soon as possible to avoid an accident—even if it looks like there is no activity inside the work zone.

(Other motorists—taper accidents) Last minute changes cause crashes and road rage.

(Never enter a work zone) Never enter a work zone that has been blocked or barricaded. There is significant danger to you from heavy equipment and other obstacles.

(Lane encroachment by equipment) Watch for workers and equipment moving in and out of the barricaded work zone.

(Slow to safe speed) Check your rear view mirror and slow cautiously to avoid a rear end collision while maintaining a safe speed by the work zone.

The merge sign tells us to move over one lane, because the lane you’re in is ending. The other sign warns traffic that the total number of lanes will be reducing and other traffic will be merging into your lane.

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MOVINGWORK ZONE

Besides snowplows, other moving work zones are out and about in the summer. A striping crew, is an example of this. These vehicles can sometimes travel as slow as 8 – 9 miles per hour.

(Obey signs) Be sure to observe all signs and arrows.

(Never go between vehicles) The result could be a crash with work vehicles or workers.

(Watch out for paint, etc.) Wet paint and other materials in the work zone may damage your vehicle.

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CREW WORKING AHEAD

(Workers are in the area) If you see this sign, there are workers ahead. SLOW DOWN and PAY ATTENTION! Workers and equipment are not always visible.

(Slow down and See Orange) Follow the orange signs and devices.

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CONSTRUCTION WORK ZONE

(Watch for sporadic activity) Work is often occurring at many locations throughout the work zone and may be difficult to spot.

Video 3- (PSA “In the Office”) 30 seconds. Stay by controls to turn off quickly at end.

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TRUCKS ENTERING OR EXITING

A WORK ZONE

(Trucks merge into traffic) Trucks are often fully loaded and are not capable of rapid acceleration. Stay back when driving behind a construction truck near a work zone.Trucks often slow down to enter into a work zone.

Pay attention to the warning signs.

Watch for the warning lights and SLOW DOWN!

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SHOULDER DROP-OFFSAND UNEVEN LANES

EDGE DROP-OFF

Watch for drop-offs at the edge of pavement.

Rollovers from drop-offs are one of the most common causes of work zone fatalities.

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ROUNDABOUTS

Near Medford, MN – Photo courtesy of Ken E. Johnson

This is a picture of roundabouts at Interstate 35 and County Road 12 near the Medford Outlet Center. Cars enter and move right around the circle until they exit at the road they need.

How They Work Roundabouts follow the yield-at-entry rule. Cars approaching a roundabout must wait for a gap in traffic to enter the circle. Cars enter and move throughout the circle in a counterclockwise direction. All turns are right turns only. There are no stoplights or stop signs within the circle. Signs within the roundabout identify street-ramp locations to assist motorists find their appropriate exit.

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ROUNDABOUTS

How to Drive a Roundabout (left turns are completed by traveling right around the center island) As you approach a roundabout, there will be a YIELD sign and a dashed yield line.

Before entering a roundabout, yield to circulating traffic to the left, but do not stop if it is clear. Vehicles traveling around the roundabout have the right-of-way.

Follow the ONE WAY sign mounted in center island (you must drive right of the center island).

After passing the street prior to your exit, turn on right turn signal, watch for pedestrians and bicyclists, then exit roundabout.

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FLAGGING OPERATIONS

(Look for warning sign) “Flagger Ahead” and “Prepare to stop” mean SLOW DOWN!

(Drive slowly!) Watch for the flagger! Flaggers are killed more often than any other worker in the work zone. Always obey the flagger’s instrucitons. This is a state law!

(Pilot car) If there is a pilot car, follow it through the work zone and maintain a safe distance.

(Summary) Example: Whenever you are near a work zone of any kind—whether it’s a moving vehicle like a snowplow, or work at the side of the road like a unit picking up debris, a patrol officer at work, or a motorist with car trouble—turn the danger sign on in your head. You’ve been given a lot ofinformation today. When you next encounter a work zone you now have a better chance of remaining safe if you “Pay Attention or Pay the Price”, and remember to ….(Stay Back Stay Alive)

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WORK ZONE FATALITIESMinnesota

98% are Motorists

(Read over the slide.)

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Number of Minnesota Crash Deaths by Age Group and Gender (2008)

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

10-14

15-19

20-2

425

-29

30-3

435

-39

40-4

445

-49

50-5

4

Male

Female

Source: Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts, 2008

Dea

ths

Age Group

As you can see, young drivers have a high amount of deaths, especially young men. Traffic crashes by far is the #1 Killer of Teens. Read over slide.

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Top 5 Causes of Death for Minnesota’s 15‐19 year olds

2004‐2006

213

114

5231

140

50

100

150

200

250

Traffi

c Cra

shes

Suici

de

Hom

icide

Cance

r

Birth

Def

ects

Source: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control

Dea

ths

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CAR CRASH VICTIMS VIDEO

Play TZD Video with Mayo ER Nurse and the parents of the impaired driving victim.

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CRASHES ON THE FREEWAY

(Reading a map) This person pulled onto the shoulder to read a map. A cement truck hit the car from behind, and the person was killed. Do not pull over on the highway to read a map or talk on cell phone, exit off of the highway to take care of personal business.

(Don’t stand around accident scene) If you are involved in an accident on the highway, do not stand around the accident scene near oncoming traffic—find a safe place to wait for authorities.

(Move over if you can) Move into another lane when passing an accident, if you can do so safely. If you can’t, move over as far as you safely can in your lane.

Don’t be a gawker.

(Move vehicles off the road) If there are no injuries, move car off the road onto the shoulder, to prevent any additional accidents, and exchange insurance information or wait for authorities.

(No shoulder) Try to avoid this situation. Use emergency flashers and move your vehicle to a safe area. Search for a ramp to exit freeway.

(Never turn your back on traffic) Always be aware of passing traffic. Traffic can quickly “sneak up” on you at freeway speeds.

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Wear Your Seatbelt! It’s the Law

Minnesota’s Primary Seat Belt Law went into effect on June 9, 2009

The driver of this truck was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown from his truck; the truck fell over and crushed him.

As of June 9, 2009, it is a state law to always wear your seatbelt, whether in the front OR back seat of a vehicle. Law enforcement can now give citations to motorists for failing to wear a seatbelt, without another reason to pull over.

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PLAN TO LEAVE EARLY FOR YOUR DESTINATION

When the workforce in the Twin Cities is just one hour late getting to work because of poor driving conditions, it costs employers approximately $7.5 million in wages, not to mention other costs like loss of production, customer service, etc. If you wake up late, plan to be late. You won’t make up time on the road.

(Snow removal efficient) The Minnesota Department of Transportation has the most highly skilled and trained professional snowplow operators, but to do their job successfully they need your cooperation.

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TRAVELER INFORMATION

www.511mn.org

@mndottraffic

When adverse conditions occur, plan to leave earlier for your destination. This includes snowy weather, rainy weather, and road construction.

The Department of Transportation has 3 ways for you to get informed on road conditions.

1. Dial 5-1-1 on your phone2. Visit 511mn.org3. Follow us on Twitter. Our Twitter “handle” is mndottraffic

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MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION© Copyright 1998. All rights reserved.

THANK YOU FOR THANK YOU FOR DRIVING SAFELY DRIVING SAFELY THROUGH OUR THROUGH OUR WORK ZONES!WORK ZONES!

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SpeakersThe following are additional slides you may design and add to your presentation.

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DRIVE ACCORDING TO CONDITIONS

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MERGE SIGN• This sign is used when

closing one or more lanes of a multi-lane road

• This sign is used to warn drivers of reduction of lanes on a multi-lane road

• Both of these signs mean merge left

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DYNAMIC LATE MERGE SYSTEM

• Purpose of this system is to provide guidance to motorist on proper lane usage

••Purpose of the system is to provide guidance to motorists on proPurpose of the system is to provide guidance to motorists on proper lane per lane usageusage••When traffic is freeWhen traffic is free--flowing, the standard lane closure signage has always flowing, the standard lane closure signage has always been adequatebeen adequate••When traffic volume increases, motorists tend to merge early to When traffic volume increases, motorists tend to merge early to the thruthe thru--lane and create a long queue in one lane, affecting safety and ulane and create a long queue in one lane, affecting safety and upstream pstream intersection operation.intersection operation.

Work Zone Safety Awareness Quiz Persenter’s Guide

Use of the quiz is optional. It is helpful to enhance learning retention – especially with Driver Education classes.

• Time limit for the quiz is usually 5 –10 minutes. • As you read the answers and discuss them if time allows.

Work Zone Safety Awareness Quiz

1. A work zone is any area on or near a roadway, where which of the following

activities may be found? a. construction and maintenance b. emergency and law enforcement c. snow plowing d. all of the above

2. One snowplow can weigh as much as how many cars? a.3 b. 5 c. 11 d. 17 3. What percent of the fatalities in Minnesota work zones are motorists? a. 2% b. 17% c. 98% d. 51% 4. When approaching a snow cloud you should do what?

a. speed up so you can get through it quickly b. stay back far enough to take evasive maneuvers, if necessary c. drive into the cloud d. pass the plow on the left

5. The discharge from a snowplow is safe to drive into because there is just snow inside. a. true b. false 6. In which of the following circumstances should you yield to snowplows...

a. you are on the main road and a snowplow is about to enter from an on ramp b. a snowplow with snow covered turn signals starts to move in your lane c. a snowplow is attempting to enter the road from a crossover d. the edge of the plow is jutting into your lane e. all of the above

7. It is acceptable to read a map while operating a vehicle as long as you drive on the shoulder only. a. true b. false 8. What should you not do when snowplows are gang plowing...

a. drive between plows b. follow closely to drive on fresh sand c. pass on the shoulder as soon as you get the chance d. all of the above

9. It is best to follow patiently—well behind snowplows. They either exit or turn around frequently. a. true b. false 10. Plows may suddenly swing out into the main traffic lane near guardrail, bridges, stalled cars, and other obstacles. a. true b. False 11. A snowplow driver has much better visibility than the driver of a car.

a. true b. false 12. If there is no apparent activity in a work zone, you may assume there is no danger. a. true b. false 13. Whenever you see flashing lights of any kind on or near the roadway, you should

(circle all that apply) a. stay as far away from the lights as feasible b. plan a possible evasive maneuver c. slow down if needed d. unbuckle your seatbelt and get ready to jump

14. A flag person has the authority to stop traffic. a. true b. false 15. When necessary to get out of your vehicle on or near the roadway, you should...

(circle the best answer) a. put on a red hat to be seen easier b. be sure to let the dog out, too c. check all tires d. never turn your back on traffic

Work Zone Safety Awareness Quiz Answer Key

1. d. 2. d. 3. c. 4. b. 5. b. 6. e. 7. b. 8. d. 9. a. 10. a. 11. b. 12. b. 13. a., b., c. 14. a. 15. d.