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Awareness week emphasizes safety
near highway construction activity

Spring weather and increasing highway construction activity bring a renewed plea by ITD for motorists to drive carefully through work zones – for their own safety and the safety of construction workers.

Each year, the Federal Highway Administration, the Idaho Transportation Department and other state departments of transportation draw special attention to safe driving in or near work zones during Work Zone Awareness Week, scheduled nationwide April 19-23.

“Work zones are the most hazardous areas on our state highway system,” explains ITD Chief Engineer Tom Cole. “We urge drivers to use extreme caution when passing through those areas so they can arrive at their destination safely and construction workers can return home to their loved ones.”

Cole recommends a common-sense approach to driving in work zones:

Check before leaving home to determine whether you might encounter highway construction. Call 5-1-1 or check 511.idaho.gov
Slow down and drive at the posted speed limit or at speeds appropriate for conditions
Adhere to traffic signs and follow the directions of flaggers and pilot cars, when present
Anticipate heavy equipment operating in the area
Watch for altered traffic patterns or reduced lane widths
Be wary of gravel driving surfaces, especially while operating motorcycles
Devote your full attention to driving and avoid distractions such as cell phone use
Expect delays and exercise patience. Some projects may require delays of 15 minutes, so adjust your travel schedule accordingly
Always wear a seat belt

“Safety in our work zones is no accident,” Cole added. “Following these simple cautions will help ensure the safety of drivers, passengers and construction workers.”

Across the U.S., more than 700 individuals were killed in work zone crashes last year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. From 2004 to 2008, work zone crashes in Idaho led to an average of about four motorist or passenger fatalities and two workers injured per year, according to ITD statistics.

Transportation officials will assemble at 10:30 a.m. April 19 in New York City’s Battery Park to formally launch the 2010 National Work Zone Awareness Week campaign.