Normally, each episode of Streets of Speed begins with the search for a hiding spot, but the very lack of shelter is at the heart of the matter for this week's special report on construction zones. Last week a worker was killed when a car veered into him, raising public awareness about dangerous driving habits between the orange pylons.
"From the beginning of the street to the end it's 35," said a construction worker named Servando. He's been in traffic for two years, and getting people to ease of the peddle is a constant struggle. "How do you get people to realize that they have to slow down?," he was asked. "We haven't been able to communicate that yet," he replied.
After the fatality, drivers tended to slow down, but the respite was fleeting. "The day after people were up to their usual habits, it's like nobody cares," he said.
But in fairness to the drivers, part of the problem, at least at this location, (West loop access road near the South Plains Mall) is the lack of signage. Sure, there's "Roadwork Ahead," and "Shoulder Drop-Off," even "Yield Ahead," but not one 35 mph speed limit sign. Something the S.O.S. crew took for granted until a viewer called. So if you got yelled at by the S.O.S. crew, our apologies. But remember, on access roads under construction the speed limit is 35, on the loop, it's 50, and fines are often doubled.
All content ©Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and KCBD, a Raycom Media Station. 