Slow Down and Move Over
Use Caution in Work Zones
To ensure the safety of both motorists and highway construction and maintenance workers, New York State's efforts to raise awareness about Work Zone Safety aim to prevent work zone injuries and fatalities by encouraging alert driving through construction zones.
Motorists are required to slow down, be alert and drive carefully in all work zones. In addition, motorists are required to move over a lane if safely possible for vehicles along the road displaying red, white, blue, amber or green lights. This includes emergency response vehicles, tow trucks and highway construction and maintenance vehicles. Failure to comply will result in significant civil and possible criminal penalties.
During 2022, there were 441 work zone intrusions on New York state roads maintained by the State Department of Transportation and Thruway Authority. A work zone intrusion is defined as an incident where a motor vehicle has entered a portion of the roadway that is closed due to construction or maintenance activity. Those crashes resulted in three fatalities and 56 injuries to highway workers and vehicle occupants.
Drivers must pay extra attention, adjust speeds accordingly and take every precaution in highway work zones to keep themselves and highway construction and maintenance workers safe so that everyone can go home safely at the end of the day.
Pay Attention. Be Aware
Slow Down. Move Over.
Stay Alert
Work Zone Safety Facts
During 2021, there were 378 work zone intrusions, resulting in more than 50 injuries on NYSDOT and Thruway operated roadways.
Construction and maintenance crews across the state work alongside fast-moving traffic each day and moving over can literally mean the difference between their life and death.
WARNING: Work zones may contain mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, son, daughters. Drive safely.
Improving Safety Within Highway Work Zones
Move Over Law
New York's Move Over Law requires motorists to move over a lane if safely possible for roadside displaying red, white, blue, amber or green lights.
Flagger Safety
Flagging staff play a vital role in keeping everyone safe in work zones, yet have little protection from aggressive drivers. Flaggers have the same authority to direct traffic as signs, signals and police.
Safe Work Zones
Many factors contribute to work zone crashes, including speed, cell phone use, distracted or aggressive driving. These behaviors are discouraged when driving any road, but are especially dangerous in work zones.
Stay Informed
Traffic Incident Management (TIM)
Specially trained police perform traffic enforcement to help keep work zones safe.
511NY
511NY connects motorists will real-time traffic and construction information to enable travelers to avoid work zones.
Work Zone Traffic Control Manual
Intended for entities permitted to work within the right away of or on a road in NYS, the Work Zone Traffic Control Manual provides the basic principles and elements constituting a safe work zone.