Worker safety is crucial as road workers face daily dangers from speeding or distracted drivers. In Nevada, work zone crashes have resulted in serious injuries and even deaths.
Respecting cones, signs, and reduced speed limits can save lives.
Projects are delayed when people speed or drive aggressively through cone zones, which may delay construction due to accidents or damaged equipment.
Slower, safer driving means faster project completion, which benefits everyone.
As Reno's construction zones expand and the crews work to make improvements and upgrades, officials say being aware at all times is key to minimizing accidents and keeping people safe.
"The forefront of this issue is the public having the awareness going through the work zone," said Brandon Carlson, Regional Safety Manager of Granite Construction. "It's obviously a dynamic changing environment and if you're not used to traveling in a work zone it can be confusing. And then when you add speed factors to that, or lack of attention, or frankly intoxication, it makes it very difficult for us to operate safely. If we don't have the awareness of the traveling public, we cannot ultimately protect our employees 100 percent. So, we need the community's engagement, and we need the community's buy-in, to raise awareness, to slow down, and pay attention in work zones."
Granite Construction says they're actively working in various areas around Reno and northern Nevada, improving roads, utilities, and public infrastructure.
These projects are essential for safer, more efficient travel, but they also mean crews are working just feet from fast-moving traffic.
"Respect the Cone" matters not only for the safety of workers, but drivers as well.
Every cone marks a zone where men and women are working hard, often in dangerous conditions. Slowing down and paying attention saves lives.
When driving Through Granite construction zones, be mindful of posted speed limits. Stay alert for lane shifts, workers, and equipment.
Texting while driving is illegal, so put your phones down. Merge early and don't speed past cones. Nevada law doubles fines for speeding or distracted driving in construction zones.
"These are our neighbors, these are our friends, family, they work here, these are real people," said Carlson. "So, if they get hit by a vehicle out on the project it's detrimental to them, their families, the community, the company. So we're trying to take every angle and precaution that we can to protect employees in the work zone, to the best of our ability."
While traffic can increase during various construction phases, officials aim to keep both their workers and drivers safe on the roadways at all times.
