Work Zone Awareness Week Declared By Legislature
TDOT Reminds Motorists to Stay Safe When Driving in Work Zones

Nashville, Tenn— The Tennessee Legislature has officially declared April 2 through April 6, 2007 as Work Zone Awareness Week. The resolution was supported by Governor Phil Bredesen as part of the state’s effort to improve safety for motorists and workers in Tennessee’s interstate and highway construction and maintenance work zones.

“Work zones can be dangerous areas for both motorists and workers,” said Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Jim Tracy. “In the past four years, more than one hundred men, women and children have died in work zone crashes. That’s why I felt it was so important to pass this resolution and bring greater attention to the importance of work zone safety.”

The resolution was also sponsored by House Transportation Committee Chairman Phillip Pinion.

“In 2005 there were more than 5,000 traffic crashes in Tennessee work zones. That same year, Robert Fish, a TDOT maintenance worker was struck by a vehicle and killed while working along the side of the road,” said Chairman Pinion. “Work zone signs and reduced speed limits are there to protect all of us. When you approach a work zone, slow down and pay attention. It could save a life.”

Studies show one section of the driving public is more likely than any other to be involved in a work zone crash. According to the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety, a teenager is killed and seven are injured in a work zone crash every three days in this country.

Tomorrow, TDOT will launch a major new initiative aimed at teaching young drivers about the importance of work zone safety at press conferences in Chattanooga, Nashville and Memphis.

“TDOT is always looking for innovative programs to help safeguard motorists and highway work crews in work zones,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “We are very excited about our new program which we hope will help prevent even more deaths in highway work zones.”