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| 3/28/2006 |
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For More Information Contact:
Heidi Hiaasen, Project Communications, 541-388-6178
Julianne Repman, Public Information, 541-388-6224
National Work Zone Awareness Week April 2-8
After a few months of winter shutdown, construction season is about to hit full speed, meaning drivers should be aware of active work zones. April 2-8 is National Work Zone Awareness Week. National studies indicate that driver inattention causes the majority of work zone crashes. Preliminary data show that there were five work zone fatalities during 2005 in the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Region 4, which includes Crook, Deschutes, Gilliam, Jefferson, Lake, Klamath, Sherman, Wasco and Wheeler counties.
The ODOT asks that motorists pay attention and slow down when approaching an orange work zone. Remember that the work zone represents a project that will make improvements to the roadway for the community.
Work Zone Facts and Tips:
· Traffic fines double in work zones.
· Work zone crashes tend to be more severe than other types of crashes.
· More than 80 percent of fatalities in highway work zones are drivers and passengers, not workers.
· Nationally, on average, there are three work zone fatalities every day
· Highway construction is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. The risk of death is seven times higher for highway workers than for an average worker.
· The most important action a driver can take is to pay complete attention when approaching a work zone. Forty percent of work zone crashes occur in the transition zone. Drivers not paying attention are the leading cause of work zone crashes.
· “Orange is your clue.” Slow down when you see orange signs, barrels and barricades. Speeding is the second leading cause of work zone crashes.
· Double your following distance. Don’t tailgate.
##ODOT##
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