| Motorists nationwide reminded to "Drive to Survive" |
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| ODOT News |
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April 3, 2009
For more information, contact Sally Ridenour (503) 986-3359 or Anne Holder (503) 986-4195
With state and federal economic recovery projects generating highway and bridge work across the country, 2009 could be one of the most active road construction seasons in recent memory. That’s why the organizers of National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 6-10, developed the theme, “Drive to survive – our future is riding on it.”
This spring and summer, Oregonians will see record levels of highway and bridge work not only with the Oregon Department of Transportation’s continuing Oregon Transportation Investment Act projects, but also city, county and state projects funded through state and federal economic recovery funds.
In Oregon, work zone safety messages run year-round on buses, billboards and on radio and TV stations.
“We must continue to remind motorists to pay attention and slow down in work zones,” said Anne Holder, Roadway Safety Program manager for ODOT. “National Work Zone Awareness Week is a great time to do that.”
In 2007, 11 people died in crashes in Oregon work zones. None of those who died were construction workers; all were either drivers, passengers or pedestrians.
“People are surprised to learn that most of the people who die in work zone crashes are in a car, not on the road working,” said Holder.
The single biggest factor in crashes is driver inattention, and that’s why orange cones, variable message signs and other tools are used to alert motorists. The other contributing factor is speed, which is why work zones either require or encourage lower speed limits.
Tips for driving in a work zone:
* Orange is your clue. Slow down when you see orange signs, barrels and barricades.
* Pay attention and drive cautiously.
* Don’t tailgate. Leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.
* Visit ODOT's work zone safety Web page for more work zone safety tips.
You can learn about construction updates, road conditions, traffic and more by calling 5-1-1 or visiting www.TripCheck.com. TripCheck has a mobile version for cell phones and other handheld devices. Remember, don’t use your mobile device while driving.
##ODOT##
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