Source: DelDOT
Secretary of Transportation Shanté Hastings was joined by Representative Lyndon Yearick, Delaware State Police Lieutenants India Sturgis, Mark Dawson, and several DelDOT employees at the East Camden Bypass project in observation of National Work Zone Awareness Week.
National Work Zone Awareness Week is held each April at the traditional start of construction season when the number of workers on our nation’s roadways increases. The theme of this year’s work zone awareness campaign is, “Respect the zone, so we all get home.” The campaign features DelDOT workers who put their lives on the line daily while working within active traffic maintaining Delaware roads.
“Over the past three years, 65 DelDOT employees have been injured in work zone crashes and of those 65, 13 were seriously injured,” stated Secretary Hastings. “When you see the signs, when you see the flashing lights, when you see the barrels and cones, slow down, eliminate distractions, stay alert, and be extra cautious. By doing these things, motorists can help reduce work zone crashes on our roadways. Please keep our employees safe so they can go home to their families, too,” continued Secretary Hastings.
Although highway workers are often among the victims of such crashes, drivers must understand that four out of five victims of work zone crashes are drivers or their passengers. Generally, crashes occur when drivers speed through a work zone or do not pay attention to the changing road conditions and run into other vehicles, highway equipment, or safety barriers, or drive off the roadway completely. In a typical five-day work week, an average of seven motorists and one worker are killed nationwide. The primary causes of work zone crashes are following too closely and inattentive driving.
The National Work Zone Awareness Week began in 1999, when the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), and the American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials (AASHTO) signed a Memorandum of Agreement pledging to increase public awareness of work zone safety issues through a national media campaign. Since then, awareness has continued to grow, with state agencies and other organizations sponsoring high-visibility education and outreach initiatives.
Some simple tips for improving work zone safety include:
* When you see the “orange and black,” be extra cautious. * Warning signs will let you know what to expect.
* Barrels or cones will delineate your path of travel.
* Flag persons will help direct you along the way.
* Avoid distractions.
* Don’t tailgate.
* Don’t change lanes.
* Slow down and expect the unexpected.
* Reduce speed when approaching toll booths.
For complete Delaware work zone statistics check out the Delaware Strategic Highway Safety Plan at: https://deldot.gov/Programs/DSHSP/index.shtml?dc=work_zone_safety
Anyone interested in becoming an advocate for eliminating serious injuries and deaths on our roadways can take the Be DelAWARE pledge at https://deldot.gov/Programs/BeDelAWARE/ and become a hero towards zero deaths on all roadways.
