Slow Down and Move Over Make Good Choices in Work Zones
Slowing down, moving over, paying attention. Those are all good choices to make when driving through highway work zones. Speeding or driving recklessly are bad choices. Choices have consequences.
You can choose to protect highway workers and prevent work zone crashes that could result in serious injury or even death. When you see lights and cones, choose to slow down, stay alert and move over when possible.
During 2025, there were 572 crashes in work zones on New York State roads that led to 87 injuries and three deaths of highway workers and vehicle occupants. On the Thruway system alone, the number of work zone crashes increased by a shocking 46 percent from 2024 to 2025.
Did you know? Motorists are required by law to move over a lane if safely possible and slow down when passing any vehicle stopped along the road. This includes emergency response vehicles, tow trucks and highway construction and maintenance vehicles. Getting caught could mean steep fines or other penalties. Not getting caught could be the difference between life and death for our workers.
Choose to Slow Down and Stay Alert in Work Zones
Move Over for Highway Workers
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 vehicles 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 of way of or on a road in NYS, the Work Zone Traffic Control Manual provides the basic principles and elements constituting a safe work zone.