Two work zone awareness banners accompany the CMS.
Advertisement
The national campaign was created in 1999 by the Federal Highway Administration, the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, as a way to “raise public awareness of work zone hazards”, not only during the awareness week, but throughout the entire year.
“Our VDOT men and women work hard to improve and fix our roads”, Gov. Terry McAuliffe said. To ensure traffic moves safely, PSE&G employees, local police, and licensed and approved contractors provide cones, flagmen and signage at work sites, as needed, to minimize interruptions.
Last year, 138 people were killed in work zone crashes. He says the number of distractions available to drivers is higher today than ever before and with the amount of construction also increasing, staying alert in work zones is also more important than ever.
ODOT says they are placing greater emphasis on work zone safety this year, especially considering the amount of work planned for OH roadways. “We want everyone to get home safely, so don’t be that distracted or aggressive driver in work zones”. The Governor and First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe are showing their support by lighting the mansion in orange.
Follow VDOT on Facebook and Twitter.
Expect the unexpected. Keep an eye out for workers and slow-moving equipment. There was also an increase in work zone injuries due to crashes totaling over 31,000 (nine percent increase from 2013). Use the hashtags: #NWZAW, #GoOrangeVA and #OrangeforSafety. Work zones often involve narrow lanes, lane shifts, shoulder closures and congested traffic, therefore the speed reduction is necessary 24/7.
Focus. Focus your full attention on the road and those traveling around you.
Advertisement
For more information, visit GoMDOT.com/drivesmartms and visit our fallen worker memorial.
