SALISBURY POST

With several years of Interstate 85 renovation stretching before us, Rowan County residents should slow down and give some thought to the increasing number of highway work zone deaths reported around the nation.

Federal transportation officials reported this week that a record number of people — 872 — died in work zone accidents in 1999. The previous record was 828 in 1994. Traffic experts believe much of the increase can be attributed to the proliferation of road renovation and expansion projects as states take advantage of an increase in federal funds available for road work.

In North Carolina, 32 people died in work zone accidents last year, but authorities say the fatalities have declined since the state tripled its fines speeding in work zones. Authorities here and elsewhere are also implementing other measures to try to reduce such accidents, including using more message signs to warn motorists, scheduling work when traffic is lighter and putting concrete barriers between workers and the cars and trucks whizzing past.

The best defense, however, is an alert driver who recognizes the dangers that work zones pose and adjusts his behind-the-wheel behavior accordingly. In addition to slowing down when approaching construction zones, drivers should watch for flagmen, allow an extra margin of distance between the car ahead and, please, stay off the cell phone.

It isn’t just Rowan County that has a lot of road work going on. Currently the state has several hundred highway construction projects under way, including segments of I-77 and I-40. Chances are, when you’re on the road, you’re never far from orange cones and construction crews. When you see them, be extra careful, for their safety and yours.