ALDOT Releases the Top Causes of Work Zone Accidents

April 11-15 is National Work Zone Awareness Week, and the Alabama Department of Transportation, road builders, contractors and local officials are joining together to heighten awareness and encourage motorists to drive safely through work zones.

Preliminary data shows that in 2015, of Alabama’s 1,665 crashes in highway work zones, there were 15 fatalities and 475 injuries. Nationally, 80 percent of people killed in work zones are drivers and passengers. The primary driver-related factors in work zone crashes are speeding and in-vehicle distractions.

ALDOT is emphasizing the theme of National Work Zone Awareness Week, “Don’t Be That Driver!” as a way to bring attention to the top driver-related factors in work zone crashes. This year’s message reinforces that driving in and around work zones requires constant attention and that motorists should be prepared for changes – changes that distracted drivers may not notice in time to prevent a crash. In Alabama, as in many other states, a driver’s speeding fines are doubled in a marked work zone with workers present.

“Work zone crashes are avoidable, which is why ALDOT is bringing attention to Work Zone Awareness Week and giving our workers and motorists across Alabama tips on how to stay safe,” said Allison Green, Drive Safe Alabama coordinator with ALDOT. “Avoiding these types of tragic incidents is as simple as drivers slowing down, paying attention and using a bit more caution when driving through a work zone.”

ALDOT offers these tips for driving safely in work zones:

• Stay alert.  Look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers.
• Merge early.  If drivers merge as soon as they see the signs, traffic will flow more smoothly.
• Slow down.  If you’re speeding, you may encounter slowed or stopped traffic within seconds.
• Don’t tailgate.  Maintain a safe distance on all sides of your vehicle.

In recognition of this national campaign, Governor Bentley has issued a proclamation naming April 11 through April 15, 2016 as National Work Zone Awareness Week in the state of Alabama and encourages everyone to consider the safety of motorists and workers in work zones this week and every day.

For more information on National Work Zone Awareness Week, visit http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/outreach/wz_awareness.htm. Join the national conversation using #NWZAW or locally using #DriveSafeAL.

ALDOT’s mission is to provide a safe, efficient, environmentally sound transportation network across Alabama. For additional information, visitwww.dot.state.al.us