Posted on 08/07/2019 9:41:42 AM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
These were general guidelines for planning purposes, not project specific.
I-75 was never considered to be in mountainous terrain in central Kentucky. As evidenced by its previous speed limit of 70 mph. In central Kentucky, there was never a longitudinal grade steeper than 3 percent. That may have been different around Jellico, TN. I’m not sure about that.
Design guidance for construction zones is to maintain existing posted speeds unless a geometric constraint is introduced to make it uncomfortable for drivers to drive at the original posted speed for the reason that reducing the posted speed without such geometric constraints causes accidents.
Not around here. All highway construction zones are marked with lower speeds and signs that say traffic fines double when workers are present.
I have seen state troopers and highway patrol assigned to construction zones just sitting there with light flashing to get people slowed down
Traffic fines double signs are mandatory. Lower posted speeds are not, but contractors always want them. I taught traffic control during construction class for years. I know what of I speak.
Interstates that have construction going on, have more wrecks than interstates with no construction. Some states will never stop the construction projects because it is a constant source of federal funding.
The police officers are not necessarily to get traffic to slow down, but to remind drivers to obey the law, and to catch their attention in case they haven’t been paying attention. Drivers should maintain the speeds posted through the work zone, not drive slower than those unless there’s something else requiring them to slow.
Federal funds lag the need for them, and are becoming more and more inadequate due to the increased vehicle mileage that today's cars are getting. They are matched by state and/or local funds. The driving force is existing and projected traffic volumes.
slowing down for a construction zone where signs have been posted IS obeying the law.
The normal response to flashing lights on patrol car is to slow down. By normal i mean statistically drivers slow when they observe them.
Many construction zones have narrower lanes or orange markings or fewer lanes. All off these usually mean slower driving. It keeps traffic slower.
Slowing down nelow the posted speed limit is dangerous. That hsving been said, some states have now passed “move over” laws that require drivers to change lanes for an emergency gehicle with flashing lights in the “adjacent” lane, or if you stay in the lane, reduce your speed to 20 mph below the speed limit as you pass the emergency vehicle, then resume the posted speed. Narrower lanes may be considered a gkeometric constraint if they are accompanied by other devices. A construction zone in and of itself is not a reason to slow down, because slowing down without a reason causes crashes. Some states have gone to the lengths of posting “Maintain Posted Speed” signs when there are no geometric constraints and no reduced regulatory speed signs.
It’s little wonder that there are higher accident rates in construction zones when there’s so much confusion about what is safe - and legal - to do, and only seconds to make decisions.
I’m sure the “roo bar” helped your vehicle to survive that.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.