A public safety announcement from the Shrewsbury Volunteer Fire Company.
Motorists who drive Interstate 83 in the Shrewsbury area know the roadway is being milled and eventually resurfaced. This work is being done in the evening hours from 7pm to 5am to help reduce traffic congestion. Back ups have been known to be over a mile long prior to the construction area. EVERYONE is reminded to remain alert about slow moving vehicles.
As vehicles of all sizes approach the construction area they must reduce speed to safetly navigate through the construction zone. When you see signs stating “Construction Zone Ahead” or a lane closed notificaiton begin a conscious effort to watch the traffic you are catching up too. Vehicles ahead who have slowed down as they enter the construction zone are not doing the standard posted speed (65mph) but are at a reduced speed to keep constrution workers safe. The vehicles that have slowed down may not have their foot on the break which would give approaching cars notice they are slowed down. If you are not paying attention you will become too close to slow down once you realize the vehicles in front of you are moving slow.
At 65 miles per hour (if you are driving the speed limit) you will travel a footall field length in 3 seconds. Faster speeds are even quicker. You cannot react and stop your vehicle in time if you are not driving alert. STAY FOCUSED WHILE DRIVING!!
Construction work has been going on for 1 week of a 4-5 month project. We have already run 4 vehicle accident reponses due to the construction zone slow down. One accident was a fatal collision. Everyone must do their part as responsible drivers and remain alert. If an accident occurs the chances of a secondary accident are extremely high. Police, Fire and EMS providers are on foot in the area and must work on the injured while traffic is moving through. Keep them safe by remaining alert.
Stay focused, stay alert, stay alive while driving.
Shrewsbury Volunteers
