April 11, 2016 - LUFKIN – Each year in Texas, there are approximately 20,000 crashes and more than 100 people killed in highway construction and maintenance zones.
This week, April 11-15, marks the annual observance of 2016 Work Zone Awareness Week, a collaboration between the Texas Department of Transportation, The Federal Highway Administration and other transportation partners. The week-long event is an awareness campaign aimed at making the traveling public more aware of work zone dangers.
Motorists traveling through work zones make up the majority of fatalities, with two leading causes – driver inattention and failure to control speed.
In Texas, there can be as many as 2,500 active work zones at any time. The nine-county Lufkin District currently has many construction and maintenance work zones with TxDOT and contract employees working within just a few feet of moving traffic.
In 2015, 247 crashes were reported in work zones within the Lufkin District. Of that number, 18 people suffered severe injuries and five fatalities were reported.
“With this week’s observance, we encourage motorists to slow down as they enter a construction or maintenance work zone,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer. “Even one crash is too many. We want our employees to go home safe at the end of the day just like your family wants you to arrive safely home at the end of the day. Each of our workers represents a family. Please slow down, be alert, don’t text and watch for changing traffic patterns as you drive through work zones.”
The Lufkin District is observing Work Zone Awareness week with a display of orange cones, representing the 150 employees who have died in TxDOT work zones since the agency began. A banner reminding motorists of Work Zone safety awareness will also be displayed.
Road work zones are hazardous, both for workers and motorists. Slow down and observe posted speed limits; pay attention to workers and heavy equipment moving in the area; be patient and expect delays; and plan ahead. Remember traffic fines double when workers are present.
For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.
