- 06
- April
2011
In 2010, there were more than 2,970 car accidents in highway work zones in Alabama. Over 825 people were injured, and at least 22 people died, many of them road construction workers. Unfortunately, the number of crashes, injuries and fatal accidents was up over 2009 numbers.
Road construction accidents are tragedies, and they are usually entirely preventable. The most common reasons for accidents in highway work zones are drunk driving, speeding and distracted driving.
"Most work zone crashes can be avoided if drivers slow down, pay attention and don't drive while impaired," says Alabama DOT director John R. Cooper. In order to promote both worker and driver safety, ADOT has joined numerous other highway safety agencies nationwide in designating this week as the 12th annual "National Work Zone Awareness Week."
"The increase in crashes in Alabama and across the nation signals a need for more public awareness stressing to motorists to drive with caution in work zones to help save lives."
A highway work zone is a workplace: Safety matters
While we all understand that road construction and maintenance are necessary, but it can be hard to remember that when you're in a hurry and traffic is slow. Experienced drivers may feel tempted to skirt the rules, thinking nothing bad will happen.
Work zones are challenging for drivers, however. Despite the slower pace, the presence of pedestrian construction workers, heavy trucks and industrial equipment can create a confusing maze, even for good drivers.
While construction workers are obviously at high risk, statistics show that four out of five people killed in road construction accidents are drivers and passengers. It's in everyone's interest to slow down, pay attention, limit distractions and take a moment to be actively aware of construction workers and equipment on the roads.
Please help make Alabama's roadways safer for both construction workers and drivers. Gaining a few minutes on your commute isn't worth someone's life. National Work Zone Awareness Week runs April 4-8.
Source: WNCF-TV Montgomery, "Work Zone Awareness Week Begins Monday," Morgan Hightower, April 3, 2011
Comments: 3
3 Comments
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April 7, 2011 at 2:06 AM
The Government should take necessary steps to avoid such kind of mishaps. Such kind of incidents happens mainly due to the negligence and careless of drivers. To avoid such kind of mishaps the roads should be closed at the time of work.
Safety Signs
April 11, 2011 at 11:45 AM
In the night time safety signs are only those symbols who plays the role of a traffic police. It alert us to control our speed when the construction work is going late night beside the road.
Safety Signs
Howard
July 18, 2011 at 6:20 PM
Everyone really does need to slow down when driving through a construction site. New traffic pattern are often comfusing, especially in bad weather or at night. Construction workers, especially flaggers, can make themselves more visibible by wearing a reflective safety vest.
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