Drivers urged to pay attention in work zones

For Immediate Release April 20, 2012 Contact: ADOT Public Information Office news@azdot.gov – or – 1-800-949-8057   ADOT marks National Work Zone Awareness Week Transportation agency urges drivers to avoid distractions, use extra caution when encountering highway work areas   PHOENIX – Most people killed in highway work zones are drivers or their passengers, not workers who have to stay prepared for hazardous situations when building or maintaining Arizona's roadways.   The Arizona Department of Transportation is asking drivers to understand the life and death challenges associated with work zones. The message is being delivered during the annual National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 23-27), which is observed at the traditional start of the highway construction season across the country.   "We don't want to lose any of our ADOT family members who put their lives on the line to improve your highways," said ADOT Director John Halikowski. "At the same time, national figures show more than 80 percent of people killed in work zones are drivers or their passengers. The prevention of such tragic crashes depends on drivers slowing down and paying attention in these areas."   Federal figures show a total of 576 people were killed in highway work zones around the country in 2010, including 14 people here in Arizona.   Arizona's climate lends itself to highway improvement projects all year along, although high country work zones tend to increase as warmer weather arrives.   "Don't Barrel Through Work Zones," is the safety-based theme of this year's work zone awareness campaign.   "It starts with the driver paying attention to the work zone ahead," said ADOT State Engineer Jennifer Toth. "The signs, cones and reduced speed limits are all there to protect you, as well as our workers."   Tailgating is another driving behavior that increases the odds of highway crashes, especially when work zones require merging. Arizona Department of Public Safety officers are keeping an eye out for aggressive drivers who follow other vehicles too closely.   Drivers also are reminded that state law provides for increased fines for traffic violations within work zones that include signs advising drivers that fines are doubled.   # # # SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manage Preferences  |  Delete Profile  |  Help Sent on behalf of ADOT by GovDelivery, Inc. • 206 S. 17th Ave • Phoenix, AZ  85007 • 602.712.7355