Work Zone Safety Awareness

• By: Emily Adams
• On: 04/27/2021 16:51:49
• In: Safety Shares

The Texas Department of Transportation recently released a report stating that although there was less traffic on the roadways due to COVID in 2020, work zone fatalities in Texas increased 9% from 2019.
 

“TxDOT's “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign is marking National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 26–30, with safety tips to reduce work zone fatalities. Last year, there were more than 22,000 traffic crashes in Texas work zones with 186 people killed, including four road workers.”www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/statewide-news/006-2021.html

Compare that with the National Work Zone Safety Organization report of the average number of work zone fatalities per state from 2016 to 2019: 

Encourage your fellow colleagues, family members, and neighbors to follow TxDOT's recommended Top 5 Safe Driving Practices to ensure your safety and the safety of others while driving through work zones: 

1. Slow down. Follow the posted speed limit and drive to conditions. Unsafe speed is one of the main causes of crashes in work zones. 

2. Pay attention. Avoid distractions, keep your mind on the road, and put your phone away. 

3. Watch out for road crews. The only protective gear they wear is a vest, a hardhat, and safety boots. Remember, they want to get home safe, too. 

4. Don't tailgate. Give yourself room to stop in a hurry if you need to. Rear-end collisions are the most common kind of work zone crashes. 

5. Allow extra time. Road construction can slow things down. Count on it, and plan for it.