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The death of a local construction worker is causing the Ohio Department of Transportation to look at ways to make temporary construction zones safer.
The speed limit in the permanent construction zone on Interstate 77 in southern Cuyahoga County is lowered to 50 miles an hour.
"50 miles is still a challenging speed for a driver to make a decision, that's why we've lowered that speed to 50, it's a reasonable speed for them, but something they've still got to be very alert with," said ODOT project engineer Scott Slack.
Speed limits are set by state law, although ODOT can lower them in permanent work zones. But after the death of construction worker Randy Roginski, 41, in Richfield Tuesday night and another 25-year old worker in Zanesville earlier this month, ODOT wants the power to lower speed limits in "temporary" work areas too.
"Slow down and be attentive...pretty simple things to ask," Slack said.
Slack says whether the zone is temporary or permanent, drivers must be aware, especially at night.
"Although there's lighting and amber lights on all the vehicles, sometimes you get drivers that are more fatigued at night," he said.
Construction workers want to let drivers know that slowing down in a construction zone really is not that big of an inconvenience.
"To drive six miles in length and 10 miles an hour lesser speed, only adds an additional 72 seconds to their drive time," he added.
Drivers we spoke to say they know how dangerous construction workers' jobs can be.
"I become more alert and aware of the area and I slow down and them I'm more cautious in that area," said Adam Giles.
"Try to get ahead of what I need to do, get in the correct lane and follow the traffic signs and the construction zone arrows," said Sherri Waxman.
The Canton post of the Ohio Highway Patrol says no charges have been filed against the driver in the Richfield accident.
Last year, there were 5,012 work zone crashes in Ohio, killing 13 people. Although none of those fatalities were ODOT employees.
The speed limit in the permanent construction zone on Interstate 77 in southern Cuyahoga County is lowered to 50 miles an hour.
"50 miles is still a challenging speed for a driver to make a decision, that's why we've lowered that speed to 50, it's a reasonable speed for them, but something they've still got to be very alert with," said ODOT project engineer Scott Slack.
Speed limits are set by state law, although ODOT can lower them in permanent work zones. But after the death of construction worker Randy Roginski, 41, in Richfield Tuesday night and another 25-year old worker in Zanesville earlier this month, ODOT wants the power to lower speed limits in "temporary" work areas too.
"Slow down and be attentive...pretty simple things to ask," Slack said.
Slack says whether the zone is temporary or permanent, drivers must be aware, especially at night.
"Although there's lighting and amber lights on all the vehicles, sometimes you get drivers that are more fatigued at night," he said.
Construction workers want to let drivers know that slowing down in a construction zone really is not that big of an inconvenience.
"To drive six miles in length and 10 miles an hour lesser speed, only adds an additional 72 seconds to their drive time," he added.
Drivers we spoke to say they know how dangerous construction workers' jobs can be.
"I become more alert and aware of the area and I slow down and them I'm more cautious in that area," said Adam Giles.
"Try to get ahead of what I need to do, get in the correct lane and follow the traffic signs and the construction zone arrows," said Sherri Waxman.
The Canton post of the Ohio Highway Patrol says no charges have been filed against the driver in the Richfield accident.
Last year, there were 5,012 work zone crashes in Ohio, killing 13 people. Although none of those fatalities were ODOT employees.
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