Our team’s culture places the safety of the traveling public and our workers as a top priority.

The Florida Department of Transportation urges those driving through the I-4 Beyond the Ultimate work zones — and all work zones — to drive carefully. Florida’s future depends on it.

In work zones, speed limits may be decreased, lanes may be closed, narrowed or shifted and people may be working near the road. Drivers exceeding the speed limit when workers are present face doubled fines.

Below are some tips to bear in mind while driving through construction zones.

Be Alert – Pay attention to the road and your surroundings in the work zone.

Don’t Tailgate — Unexpected stops frequently occur in work zones. Allow at least two car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Minimize Distractions — Avoid changing radio stations and using cell phones while driving in the work zone. Dedicate your full attention to the roadway.

Expect the Unexpected – Work zones are changing environments. Keep an eye out for workers and their equipment.

Don’t Speed – Follow the posted speed limits in and around the work zone.

Orange barrels mean pay attention! Please drive carefully in the work zone.

Work Zone Speeding: A Costly Mistake.

Approximately 40,000 people were injured in work zone crashes during 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Nationwide, work zones saw:

• 123,810 crashes, 26% of which were caused by speeding, and 40% were rear-end crashes.
• 754 fatalities from crashes, 124 of which were roadway workers.

Renewed caution is especially important in Florida, which ranked second in the nation for fatal work zone crashes in 2018. Road workers in construction zones throughout Central Florida face the real-life dangers of working in and around ongoing traffic.

Excessive speed is a factor in more than a third of fatal work zone crashes throughout the state. Drivers exceeding the speed limit when workers are present face doubled fines. For example, the penalty for driving 10 mph over the posted speed limit in an active construction zone is $200 plus court costs.

Every year hundreds of roadside workers and emergency responders are injured or killed while performing their duties on Florida’s highways. The Move Over law aims to prevent these tragedies by requiring drivers to take action when approaching stopped emergency vehicles, service vehicles, and disabled vehicles.

According to recent statistics, there has been a significant increase in incidents involving roadside workers in Florida. In fact, between 2015 and 2023, motorists failing to obey the Move Over law caused more than 1,700 crashes, more than 128 serious injuries, and 8 fatalities. These alarming statistics highlight the need for increased awareness and adherence to the Move Over law.

What exactly does the Move Over law entail? It’s simple yet crucial: when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle or service vehicle displaying warning lights, or disabled vehicle, drivers must either move over to the adjacent lane if it’s safe to do so or slow down to a speed 20 mph below the speed limit while passing. If the speed limit is 20 mph or less, slow to 5 mph. By creating a buffer zone between these vehicles and passing traffic, we can greatly reduce the risk of incidents and protect the lives of motorists and those who work tirelessly to keep our roads safe.

The next time you see a vehicle on the side of the road, remember to move over or slow down. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference in saving lives and ensuring that everyone gets home safely.

The Wireless Communications While Driving Act has a special significance for those who drive through the many work zones located within the I-4 Ultimate and I-4 Beyond the Ultimate projects.

The Florida state law makes texting while driving a primary offense and prohibits drivers from holding cellphones in active work and school zones. The aim of that part of the statute is to lessen the likelihood of distracted drivers riding through those areas and, thus, increase the safety of construction workers, school children, and others.

Texting and driving can not only hurt you and your passengers, but it also puts everyone on the road in danger. Drivers who violate the hands-free portion of the law now receive a minimum $60 fine with additional county and court fees, plus points on their licenses.

As an alternative, hands-free devices may be used.

For additional information about the Wireless Communications While Driving Law, visit flhsmv.gov/focusondriving.

For more information about I-4 Beyond the Ultimate projects in Seminole County, including the reconstruction of the E.E. Williamson Road bridge over I-4, visit I4Beyond.com/Seminole.