FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Oct.12, 2018 

Contact: Dennis Moen, Business Manager, 907-276-7211  

Drivers Advised to Respect Flagging Personnel: Motorists Urged to Drive Carefully in Work Zones

ANCHORAGE, AK -- Public Employees Local 71 is coordinating closely with the State of Alaska
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) to remind motorists to drive
responsibly.

Motorists are reminded to slow down and drive carefully in work zones throughout the year and
recognize the importance of respecting flagging personnel. Flagging is a uniquely vulnerable
position. Dennis Moen, Business Manager, says in response to yesterday’s incident where a
distracted driver struck a flagger, “We want to remind motorists that flagging personnel are not
attempting to disrupt traffic – they are doing their jobs and want to get home safely at the end of
each workday. Flaggers are there to keep others safe. Most workers are surrounded by metal,
while our flaggers have no such protection. Flaggers have families too.”

The factors which contribute to work zone crashes include speeding, cellphone use and
inattentive, distracted or aggressive driving. These behaviors are always discouraged, but they
can be especially dangerous in work zones. Our crews work to keep our roads and bridges safe.
We need to drive carefully in our work zones and show respect to our workers.

The new “Move Over” law, requires drivers to use due care, slow down and safely move over
when approaching vehicles stopped along the roadway. This is for good reason. When you see a
vehicle on the side of the road, there’s a high likelihood that there’s a person along the roadway
outside that vehicle, vulnerable. We want our members to be safe while they’re ensuring the
safety of others

Alaska averages approximately 135 highway work zone crashes each year. DOT&PF reminds
drivers to stay alert and be cautious when driving through work zones by minimizing distractions,
following signs and flaggers, and reducing speeds. For more information about work zone safety
visit: http://dot.alaska.gov/comm/pressbox/arch_2018/PR18-1019.shtml

Public Employees Local 71 continues to work closely with DOT&PF on this important issue for the
safety of our members and the public.

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