National Work Zone Awareness Week Gets Underway
April 4 - 10

Knoxville, Tennessee – As another busy construction season begins in Knoxville, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is urging motorists to drive safely through construction zones and to be mindful of construction crews working close to speeding traffic.  TDOT is joining forces with other safety agencies this week as National Work Zone Awareness Week gets underway April 4 – 10th.

“The Knoxville Police Department and the Tennessee Highway Patrol will be stepping up patrols in work zones around the Knoxville metro area,” said TDOT Region One Director Fred Corum.  “And area traffic reporters have promised to help spread the word to drivers to stay alert, follow special instructions, and stick to the speed limits in work zones.”

Corum said TDOT has also placed portable message signs along I-40 and I-75 to let motorists know that their lives are at stake in work zones, as well as the lives of the constructions workers on the job.

“More than 1,000 people are killed each year in work zones across the country and most of those are drivers and passengers, not construction workers,” Corum said.  “And more than 40,000 people are injured each year in work zone crashes that could possibly be prevented if people would just slow down and pay attention.”

Tennessee work zone statistics

• During the past 3 years, 99 people died in work zone crashes in Tennessee (Drivers are the most likely to die in work zone crashes.).
• Fatal work zone crashes occur most often in late spring through early fall, and in zones with at least a 45 MPH speed limit.
• 50% of the fatal work zone crashes occurred on a U.S. or state highways, and 40% occurred on interstates.
• 49% of these crashes happened between 9:00am and 6:00pm.
• Alcohol was involved in 39% of the fatal work zone crashes.
• 49% of the fatal crashes were single-vehicle crashes.
• Drivers of passenger cars caused 62% of the fatal work zone crashes.