Take care for road workers this busy Independence Day weekend. Courtesy photo, WSDOT

Take care for road workers this busy Independence Day weekend. Courtesy photo, WSDOT

WSDOT urges drivers to watch for work zones this holiday weekend

Staff reports:

Recent collisions have severely injured or even killed state highway workers while they were serving the public — injuries and deaths that could have been prevented, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.

This is why, ahead of the busy Independence Day travel holiday, leaders from WSDOT, the Washington State Patrol and industry partners are asking drivers to do their part when they travel this summer by staying alert and not driving distracted or impaired.

According to the WSDOT’s website, drivers generally don’t think they are at risk in work zones, but they’re wrong. Washington state averages almost 726 highway work zone injuries each year, and 94 percent of the people injured or killed in work zone collisions are drivers and their passengers.

According to the WSDOT, the top three causes of work zone crashes are distracted-inattentive driving, following too closely and speeding. Distracted or inattentive drivers are not prepared for sudden slow downs and last-minute lane changes in work zones.

Here are a few things you can do to ensure highway workers return to their homes and families at the end of the day:

• Slow down: Drive the posted speeds. W

orkers are out there helping to keep motorists safe and improve the roadways.

• Pay attention to workers directing you and to surrounding traffic. Put the phone down when you’re behind the wheel.

• Stay calm: Expect delays, leave early, or take an alternate route if possible. No meeting or appointment is worth risking someone’s life.

Real-time traffic information is available at wsdot.com/traffic or by dialing 511.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website http://kowloonland.com.hk/?big=submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Northwest

A northern giant hornet seen on an apple. (Photo courtesy of Washington State Department of Agriculture)
Invasive ‘murder hornets’ found in WA have been eradicated

The hunt for invasive “murder hornets” is over in Washington and the… Continue reading

t
Second suspect arrested in Federal Way IHOP shooting death of 2-year-old

His DNA was reportedly found in the vehicle, and he is thought to be the driver.

t
Antique Marketplace in Auburn loses nearly $10,000 from theft

SEE THE VIDEO: The pair who allegedly carried out the theft had a toddler whom they used as a distraction.

King County District Court (pictured left to right): Judge Raul Martinez, Judge Corinna Harn, Judge Lisa Paglisotti, Judge Fa’amomoi Masaniai, Judge Kristin Shotwell, Judge Rebecca C. Robertson, Judge Peter Peaquin, Judge Jill Klinge, Judge Lisa O’Toole, Judge Kevin Peck, Judge Matthew York, Judge Leah Taguba, Judge Brian Todd, Judge Elizabeth D. Stephenson, Judge Kuljinder Dhillon, Judge Marcus Naylor, Judge Karama H. Hawkins, Judge Nathaniel Green. COURTESY PHOTO
Should Auburn restart its own municipal court?

City leaders are examining the cost and logistics behind current contract with King County.

Photos of Antonio Garcia-Fonseca. Courtesy of GoFundMe.
Federal Way man who shot teen in 2021 pleads guilty to manslaughter

The state recommends a sentence of nine years, six months

Several alternatives are being considered for the next stage of the link light rail linking Federal Way to the Tacoma Dome. These alternatives compare the possibilities for the segment of this section between Federal Way and Fife. Graphic provided by Sound Transit.
Public input sought for Federal Way to Tacoma Dome light rail route

Five options include routes along Interstate 5 or State Route 99. Public comment is open until Feb. 10, 2025.

Courtesy of the Renton Police Department.
24 chihuahuas seized from a Renton home

Many of the dogs were injured, and the home was dirty.

File photo
Glenfield Watkins.
Sexual assault victims file claims against Federal Way school district

The claims stem from former teacher Glenfield Watkins assault on student at Totem Middle School.

t
Auburn man charged with vehicular homicide in FW crash

Documents state his blood alcohol content was 0.132.

t
Auburn Police arrest man for investigation of multiple violent crimes

Detectives seize firearms and high-capacity magazines.

Screenshot of the lawsuit.
Lawsuit dismissed against Federal Way lawyer accused of fraud

The judge granted her motion to dismiss with prejudice, meaning the case is permanently dismissed

t
Charges upgraded for suspect in Federal Way hatchet attack

Noel Esteban, 72, died nearly eight months after being attacked