4/16/2010
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
MEDIA ADVISORY: As road construction season kicks into high gear, motorists are cautioned to drive safely near work zones
BOISE -- This is the time of year in the Treasure Valley when drivers start seeing a lot more orange cones and barrels. The spring/summer road construction season is also when the Idaho Transportation Department reminds motorists to drive carefully through work zones -- for their own safety and for the safety of construction workers.
Next week (April 19-23) is National Work Zone Awareness Week.
"Construction work zones are some of the most hazardous areas on our highway system," explained ITD Southwest Idaho Asst. District Engineer Dave Kuisti. "Drivers are urged to use extreme caution. Crews working in or near the roadway can be especially vulnerable because their attention is focused on their job rather than on passing traffic. We want both drivers and workers to arrive home safely."
Across the U.S., more than 700 individuals were killed in work zone crashes last year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. In the latest five-year period for which complete statistics are available (2004-2008), ITD data reveals that work zone crashes in Idaho led to an average of about four motorist or passenger fatalities and two workers injured per year.
Research shows that drivers believe most people killed in work zones are workers, but in fact four out of five work zone collisions nationwide involve motorists.
Rear-end collisions account for most work zone crashes. Speeding, following too closely, inattentive driving, failing to yield the right-of-way and improper lane changes also contribute to work zone crashes.
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MEDIA OPPORTUNITY: There will be an opportunity on Monday (April 19) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the media to go behind the orange barrels and jersey barriers and "Experience the Zone." This will be held at the Vista Interchange where traffic is poised to move onto the new on- and off- ramps. Please contact June Sparks (334-8003) or Reed Hollinshead (334-8881) in the ITD Office of Communications to reserve a time.
MEDIA RESOURCES:
Video/audio clips: Video of the Vista Interchange work zone and audio clips from ITD workers who have experienced near-misses in work zones is available for downloading from the Idaho Transportation Department's FTP site: ftp1.idaho.gov
Log on with the user name itdcommu and use the password W39gy7D2 to download video.
Radio: Audio clips of ITD workers who have experienced near-misses in work zones also will be e-mailed Friday.
For futher assistance, contact the ITD Office of Communications at (208) 334-8005