One of my duties as traffic reporter for WSB-TV, B98.5 FM and News 95-5FM and AM 750 WSB is to compile and produce a weekend construction report and video every Friday warning motorists of upcoming construction projects for that following weekend.
Except in the event of severe weather or holidays, there is always construction on Georgia roads on the weekends. Always. On most weekdays (especially overnight) you will also find construction crews out and working on interstates and major side roads. If Minnesota is the “Land of a 1,000 Lakes, then Georgia is certainly the “Land of 1,000 Construction Projects.”
It is because of all this construction that last week was very important for metro Atlanta commuters. Last week was the 16th Annual National Work Zone Awareness Week. While the week has passed us by, the message should not. Extra care is needed by drivers through these construction zones. Construction zones can be dangerous not just for workers, but drivers as well.
In 2013, there were 579 work zone traffic-related fatalities in the United States. You read that correctly. In one year, there were 579 traffic deaths in work zones across the country. That’s an insanely huge number. In 23 percent of the deadly incidents in 2013, speed was a factor. Of the 579 lives lost, 105 were workers, meaning more than four times as many drivers and passengers died in work zones than workers.
In addition to the loss of lives, there were 29,000 work zone injuries.
The good news is that these staggering statistics are dropping. Since 1999 (when National Work Zone Awareness Week was launched) work zone fatalities have decreased by 34 percent.
Here in Georgia there have been 57 Georgia DOT employees killed in work zone incidents since 1973. In 2014, no DOT employees were killed in work zone incidents, but there were 20 total work zone fatalities including a GDOT contractor.
As we enter the summer months when we see more and more construction projects on the road, the DOT offers some advice on how to avoid work zone incidents.
Know before you go: Check construction online before you hit the roads at www.511ga.org or call 511 for construction updates.
Don't speed: Obey the posted speed limit even when workers are not present.
Obey road crew flaggers: Failure to obey speed limit signs or a flagger's traffic control directions can result in hefty fines and/or imprisonment
Expect the unexpected: Things may change overnight. Normal speeds may be reduced, traffic lanes may be closed, narrowed or shifted, and people may be working on or near the road.
Stay alert and minimize distractions: Give your full attention to the roadway and avoid changing lanes and using cell phones and other electronic devices while approaching and driving in a work zone.
Wear your seatbelt: Don't rely soley on airbags. Seatbelts save lives.
About the Author
