When most people think about highway fatalities and accidents they focus on those in motor vehicles. Highway workers, however, are subjected to risks as well. According to Pennsylvania's Department of Transportation, 22 people-including four workers-were killed in road work zones in 2010.
That same year, 1,884 crashes occurred in work zones. For Pennsylvania highway officials, these work zone-related crashes have been a problem for years. As a result, Pennsylvania has enacted a Work Zone Safety Law.
Steps to Improve Pennsylvania Construction Zone Safety
Pennsylvania lawmakers enacted the Work Zone Safety Law in order to save lives and prevent construction zone accidents. The provisions of the law call for same-day license suspensions and- in some cases-sanctions for those drivers who speed in work zones. Vehicle operators who drive excessively in work zones-at least 11 miles over the posted speed limit-can be assessed points on their driving record. In 2010, hundreds of work zone violations resulted in driving privilege suspensions.
With 40,000 miles of roadways and 25,000 bridges managed by the State's Department of Transportation, work zones are part of the common landscape of state roads. Motorists have specific responsibilities and should take precautions when traveling near or through work zones.
The Pennsylvania DOT has published a number of safety tips for motorists going through work zones. PennDOT urges motor vehicle operators to drive the posted work-zone speeds, pay attention to flaggers, stay alert, use headlights when instructed, maintain safe distances when following other vehicles, obey seatbelt and restraint laws, utilize flashers when moving slowly or at a stop and to avoid distractions. When traveling through work zones, patience is the key.
Work zone safety is not only a priority in Pennsylvania. Nationally, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and other highway safety stakeholders sponsor the annual National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week.
Highway and road work zones are dangerous places for workers as well as motorists. As states endeavour to improve their transportation infrastructures, their employees and citizens are placed in risky situations which require increased awareness and vigilance by drivers. The Keystone State's Work Zone Safety Law, with compliance from drivers and in conjunction with heightened law enforcement, may ultimately make highway work zones safer.
