Transportation Director John R. Cooper and the Alabama Department of Transportation are urging drivers to slow down, pay attention, limit distractions and be aware of workers along roadways during National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 4-8, 2011.

Road construction and maintenance are essential to building and preserving a system of State, U.S. and Interstate highways and local roadways. Work zones present a challenge and potential danger to all motorists and construction and maintenance workers, and improvements in safety, education and driver behavior will make Alabama’s highways safer; and

There were more than 2,970 crashes in Highway Work Zones in Alabama in 2010, resulting in more than 825 injuries and at least 22 fatalities. These data indicate more crashes, injuries and fatalities in work zones in 2010 over 2009, when there were 2,373 work zone crashes resulting in 682 injuries and 10 fatalities. Additionally, in 2010 Alabama saw its first increase in work zone fatalities since 2005 when the number of work zone fatalities rose to 49 from 33 in 2004.

Four out of five people killed in work zones are drivers and passengers illustrating that the greatest danger is not to workers but to the traveling public. The primary reasons for work zone-related crashes include alcohol, speeding and distraction. “Most work zone crashes can be avoided if drivers slow down, pay attention and don’t drive while impaired,” said Cooper. “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.”

Gov. Robert J. Bentley issued a proclamation marking the 12th anniversary of National Work Zone Awareness Week. State agencies, road builders, contractors and local officials are also joining statewide to heighten awareness about the dangers of driving in work zones and to encourage motorists to drive with caution to make Alabama’s highways safer.

(Information Source: ALDOT)