Since warmer weather is here to stay, crews will start roadwork projects around the region.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reports April 8-12 is National Work Zone Awareness Week to help encourage motorists to take a vested interest in work zone safety by slowing down and driving without distractions.
April marks the beginning of the roadway construction season. While work zone fatalities dropped sharply from 12 in 2017 to 3 in 2018, the number of work zone crashes increased from 1,007 in 2017 to 1,042 in 2018. Officials indicate the reason for the increase in wrecks was distracted driving.
For the 3rd year, the transportation cabinet invites the public to support work zone safety by illuminating buildings, landmarks, bridges, structures, and homes with the color orange.
To help prevent future work zone crashes, the cabinet asks drivers to practice three work zone safety tips:
1. Pay Attention – Don’t text, eat or perform any other activity while driving.
2. Respect Flaggers – Obey their guidance and watch their direction carefully.
3. Slow Down – Maintain a safe following distance; rear-end collisions are the most common work zone crash.
