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Work Zone Awareness Week
Posted on April 07, 2008
Governor Phil Bredesen has proclaimed this week as Work Zone Awareness Week, joining states across the nation to remind motorists to be safe in work zones. TDOT will also use the week to remind motorists about the May 1 closure of Interstate 40 through downtown Knoxville.
“A highway work zone can be just as dangerous for motorists as it is for workers,” said Governor Bredesen. “As we head into the construction season, I hope this proclamation of Work Zone Awareness Week in Tennessee will bring greater attention to the importance of work zone safety.”
TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely says that far too many people are losing their lives in work zone crashes.
“Nearly 75% of TDOT’s road work is done at night, which makes it imperative that motorists slow down and pay attention in work zones and if you’re tired stop somewhere and rest. Last year alone we lost at least two road workers in crashes where the driver fell asleep at the wheel,” says Nicely
The Tennessee Department of Safety reports that in 2006 there were 4,609 traffic crashes in work zones in Tennessee, 27 of which were fatal.
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