Work Zone Etiquette
If I were the Ruler of the Universe, I'd revoke the driver's licenses of people who speed through highway work zones. But I'd go one step further; I'd revoke driver's licenses of people who use cell phones as they drive through work zones.
For some folks, such a law might be controversial. I can see lawmakers' amendments already—some with merit. For example, if you're stuck in a work zone traffic jam and you've come to a dead stop on an interstate, you may need to tell your destination you'll be late. Fair enough. But careless and imprudent cell phone abuse in work zones could be observed and regulated.
Years ago, I spent college summers working on highway survey crews. One night on Interstate 44, our crew was almost wiped out by a speeding car, which somehow straddled the median and was hurtling toward us. The car ignored the miles of warning lights and signs, the orange cones, the flagman, the patrol car, and our median survey station that was lit up like a movie set. We dove off the median into traffic lanes to save our lives. We were lucky to avoid oncoming traffic. Granted, that episode occurred decades before cell phone distractions. My guess is the driver was drunk, but we'll never know—the driver got away.
But as far as operating a motor vehicle safely, I've heard of studies that compare cell phone distractions with alcohol impairment. I like good roads. I respect the hard-working Missourians who keep our roads safe. But somewhere out there, right this minute, a driver is speeding through a work zone, and dialing.
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Everybody travels. And everybody knows travel can be tough. There are things that can make it easier. We’ll look into the nuts and bolts of travel, and discuss ways to enhance a trip, and melt away barriers. As we proceed, please offer your own thoughts and observations. If you were the Ruler of the Universe, what would you do to make travel easier and safer?
