I drive through the construction zone on “the Reagan” (Interstate Highway 88) every day and I am appalled at the way people drive there.
After all the consternation last year after several horrendous crashes caused work-zone deaths, I had hoped that this year would bring some sanity to the roadways.
Hardly. It is my observation that few cars slow down to 55 miles per hour, much less the posted 45.
And many cars that pass me must be doing upwards of 70 m.p.h.
Reduced speeds in the work zones are not there solely to frustrate the time-pressed commuter.
Consider the dangers: no shoulder, cement barricades, uneven surfaces, restricted sight lines, dust in the air and debris on the road, heavy equipment entering and exiting, narrow lanes, workers, distracted drivers, daily changes in lane and ramp configurations.
I am amazed that there aren’t more accidents.
The reduced speeds are to make everyone safer.
Besides, if you do the math, the amount of time saved by speeding and driving selfishly is not significant: 4.4 miles at the posted 45 m.p.h. takes five minutes, 52 seconds; at 75 m.p.h. (which is not untypical), it takes three minutes, 31 seconds.
Is saving two minutes and 21 seconds getting to your destination worth the risk to the construction workers, other drivers and yourself?
