People’s lives can change in one second. Instantly one’s existence can be taken away from them. Driving is a part of everyone’s daily lives, but people fail to realize the life-threatening occurrences that traveling can contain. According to USA Today, there are nearly 43,000 fatal crashes a year in the U.S. In the community, there has been an uprising of roadwork, and some people fail to understand the importance of not only the construction, but driving safely through these areas.
When explaining the concept of construction, the city has certain guidelines that are mandatory to follow. Mike Barkalow has been the Public Works Director for the city for almost 16 years. He authorizes projects relating to roads throughout the city. Barkalow said, “When choosing which projects to invest in, we have to come up with a thesis using the limit of funds, enterprise funds, and based on the population usage.” Not every proposal can be worked on due to the city’s financing. They have to create focal points on the crucial problems people are facing. While developing the thesis, the group must also follow certain guidelines by the Iowa DOT. Jonathan Mitchell, social studies teacher, has also been a driver’s ed teacher for over seven years. Mitchell said, “I purposely have students drive through construction zones, which leads to great conversations about defensive driving, various construction signs, etc.” He wants his students to have the most experience, and with the increasing construction, he believes it’s important for his drivers to encounter it. One of these key situations is the intersection of Highway 100 and East Post Road.
For the past couple of months, the road has been moved to one lane due to the active construction. This road already has the reputation of being a dangerous intersection due to multiple accidents and frequently backed-up traffic. The plan for this site was for an extra lane to be added for right and left-hand turns to decrease the traffic build-up. This project has been very difficult for everyone. Barkalow said, “The good or bad thing about 100 is that it is conjoined. It is a part of the Iowa DOT and the city of Marion.” So anything the city wants to put in this intersection has to be approved by the DOT. While doing this construction, the city decided to put the poles of the lights in between the straight lanes and the right-turn lane. Some people are concerned that the poles will be a hazard during winter months. Mitchell said, “My biggest concern is that the two turning lanes going both directions from Highway 100 to East Post Rd are extremely close, so cars turning simultaneously almost collide every time.” Mitchell is concerned for his student drivers’ safety during the time of construction. Barkalow said, “DOT has a 10-foot clear space that isn’t crash regulated, meaning if it gets hit, it has to fall.” Since the poles are past the limit, they are safe for people to pass. Another safety measure the highway is obtaining is one flashing light at the intersection. Barkalow said, “One side will have a flashing light facing the hill. It will not show that the light is about to change, but that there are people already on the hill so people don’t crash into the cars.” There has been an increasing number of rear-end crashes due to the hill, and people not being able to see the amount of cars already on the road. Mitchell tries to connect with his students by giving them multiple different scenarios of construction to better their driving. Mitchell said, “I like to discuss situations prior to getting to the spot. Talk them through some things they’re likely to see.” Driving through construction can be stressful, but for new drivers, it can be even more overwhelming. He understands how important it is for developing drivers to get experience in construction. By adding this flashing light, the city hopes people will see it, and be more careful with their speed while entering the intersection.
Construction can be very complicated. Facing all of the difficulties of every road, the city has to choose which routes are the most used. Then they have to consider the ideas of the Iowa DOT, and what they believe is necessary. People don’t realize how construction is decided, but also how important being safe in these zones is. The city is a part of the Manual Uniform Traffic which provides information for the public on what to do in certain construction sites. When choosing to speed or answer a text, one is choosing to risk the lives of others. Be smart and comprehend the dangers of driving.
