It’s “orange barrel“ season again and the Washtenaw County Road Commission has already begun work on several road improvement projects in Washtenaw County. Consequently, it is a good time for motorists to remind themselves to be particularly cautious and alert to the many crews who will be working on road construction projects over the next six to nine months.
“Because ensuring the safety of our crews and the traveling public is the most important part of every project, each year transportation agencies across the country take time to recognize and raise public awareness on the importance of maintaining work zone safety by promoting “National Work Zone Awareness Week“ (NWZAW),“ stated Steve Puuri, Road Commission Managing Director.
This year, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced that National Work Zone Awareness Week will be observed during the week of April 2-6, 2007. It is the eighth year that this nationally celebrated awareness/media event has taken place. The theme for 2007 is “Signs of Change,“ which refers to the roadway advisory signs that warn motorists of several conditions found in roadway work zones and conveys the message that change from the routine is, in itself, a potential hazard motorists should recognize and for which they should be prepared for. Today’s work zone points to tomorrow’s improved roadways for smoother rides, better traffic flow and safer travel in the future; it is always wise to be aware of the signs indicating that change is underway.
How Significant is the Work Zone Safety Problem?
Nearly 1,100 men, women and children are killed in work zones nationwide each year. Approximately 55% of work-related fatalities in the U.S. highway construction industry were vehicle- or equipment-related incidents that occurred in a work zone. In 2005, there were 1,074 work zone fatalities in the United States; that figure compares with 1,068 in 2004 and 1,028 in 2003. Additionally, statistics show that in 2004 there were an estimated 115,000 (1.3% increase from 2003) work zone crashes and an estimated 49,620 (a 2.1% increase from 2003) people were injured in work zone crashes (1.8% of all roadway injuries). These statistics equate to one work zone fatality every 8.2 hours (approximately 3 per day), and one work zone injury every 9 minutes (approximately 160 per day)!
Yet surprisingly, roadway workers, as well as police, fire and rescue personnel, are not the only ones who fall victim to the tragic loss life or suffer injuries in work zone related accidents; statistics indicate that the vast majority of these fatalities are motorists, not the workers themselves!
“Of course, the safety of our employees is our foremost concern because our road workers face great risks every day while they repair and maintain the roads in Washtenaw County. Whether it is a maintenance operation or a major construction project, our employees’ safety comes first! That’s why we continually offer up-to-date training on safety procedures, provide property safety equipment and keep our work zone areas up to specifications provided by state and national guidelines,“ Puuri explained. “However, we are equally concerned for the safety of the motoring public. Yet, we alone cannot ensure each person’s safety in work zones; we need your help!“
Who Is Responsible for Work Zone Safety?
The FHWA advises that EVERYONE is responsible for work zone safety! Everyone is responsible for driving, walking, and biking safely through work zones. The engineers and planners have the responsibility to make sure the work zone is designed and operating properly -- with safety in mind. Drivers and pedestrians have the responsibility to always be alert and obey the traffic laws. Passengers should always buckle up and act responsibly. The police and the courts have the responsibility to make sure that the traffic and work zone laws are enforced. Public safety agencies have the responsibility of responding to and securing crash locations and enforcing traffic laws. Local communities and county and state governments need to allocate funding for safe roads and increase public awareness about work zone safety. Everyone plays an important role so consequently, everyone needs to take responsibility for work zone safety!
For motorists, these few steps can mean the difference between life and death:
- BE ALERT! When you see the orange barrels and signs, be ready for changing conditions ahead.
- Slow down and expect the unexpected. Pay attention to your surroundings. You may encounter workers, lane shifts, construction vehicles entering and leaving the roadway, or changed speed limits.
- Minimize distractions! Avoid changing radio stations and using mobile telephones while driving in a work zone.
- Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the construction workers and their equipment.
- Don’t tailgate! Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you; the most common crash in a highway work zone is the rear end collision.
- Obey work zone signs and road crew flaggers! The signs and flaggers are there to help you and other motorists move safely through the work zone.
- Be patient and stay calm. Remember, road crews are working to improve the road and make your future drive better.
“During this construction season, please drive safely through all work zones. We will continue to do our part to keep you moving safely on Washtenaw County roadways; we ask you to do your part too, by obeying our work zone signs and keeping safety in mind!“ concluded Puuri.
For more information about the National Work Zone Awareness Week, visit the Federal Highway Administration Safety website , or the American Traffic Safety Services Association website.
For more information on this press release, contact Val Cooper, Public Information/Community Relations Officer at (734) 327-6675, or via email at cooperv@wcroads.org.