Patrol gives lesson on work zones

Imagine if you had to do your job with five-ton SUVs and 40-ton semi trucks whizzing by you only inches away. "Give Them a Brake" is the slogan for the campaign to slow people down in construction zones, and it's a good one.

To reinforce the point, Nebraska and many other states have special construction-zone speeding laws which impose double fines for infractions.

But too many of us are slow learners, ignoring the orange signs and maintaining our usual rate of speed -- often far above the posted limit.

As a, shall we say, "educational" exercise, the Nebraska State Patrol set up a speed trap over two hours on Wednesday in a construction zone, during rush hour in Lincoln. The patrol's air wing assisted with what must have been a busy 120 minutes.

Sixty drivers were cited for exceeding the 55 mph limit, the main goal of the exercise. However, others were issued tickets for following too closely, no registration, no operators license, not wearing a seat belt and no proof of insurance.

But the special enforcement isn't just for the benefit of highway construction workers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 80 percent of work zone fatalities are actually drivers themselves and their passengers. The most common accidents are rear-end collisions.

By November, you'd think we drivers would have had enough practice negotiating construction zones to know how to do it correctly.

But apparently not. So, here are a few reminders from the Nebraska State Patrol:

* Obey the posted speed limits.

* Expect the unexpected.

* Don't tailgate -- keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you.

* Pay attention to the signs.

* Stay alert and minimize distractions.

* Be patient and stay calm.

And be prepared -- winter driving conditions are on the horizon.