Work Zone Awareness Week in Illinois

Transportation agencies, law enforcement and highway safety advocates launch 'Embrace the Orange' campaign

[April 25, 2012]  CHICAGO -- As the 2012 construction season gets into full swing, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, Illinois State Police, Local Laborers Union, Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association, and other highway safety partners launched the "Embrace the Orange" campaign Tuesday and announced their participation in National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 23-27. The coalition is leading efforts to help reduce traffic-related crashes, injuries and fatalities in work zones.

"With 2012 construction under way, the Embrace the Orange campaign strongly encourages all motorists and workers to be extremely cautious this year and take all necessary steps to be aware and protect themselves in and around work zones," said Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider. "Last year, 21 fatal crashes in work zones occurred across the state, including one of IDOT's own employees. Although this marks the lowest rate in four years, IDOT and its partners are determined to help ensure that there are no more work zone fatalities. One work zone crash, fatality or injury is one too many."

Speed and inattentiveness are major contributing factors to work zone crashes. Conditions such as narrow or reduced lanes, edge drop-offs, equipment next to moving lanes of traffic, and lane closures require a reduction in speed to safely travel through work zones.

"Work zone speed limits are in place to protect workers and drivers alike," said Kristi Lafleur, executive director of the Illinois Tollway. "Drivers will see construction across major sections of the tollway this summer, so please slow down, stay alert and remember that texting while driving is illegal in Illinois."

Distracted driving law prohibits the use of hand-held wireless telephone devices for all drivers, regardless of age, while operating a vehicle in a school or construction zone. In addition, the use of electronic communications devices or any other electronic device to text, e-mail, compose, read or send electronic messages or access Internet sites while driving a motor vehicle at any time is prohibited.

"Construction zones can become fatal zones if road safety precautions are not followed, and the Illinois State Police is committed to an overall zero fatality goal that also includes reducing work zone crashes," said Jay Keevan, operational services commander for the state police.

"Our 'Driving Zero Fatalities to a Reality' message is clear, and it should remind every motorist that every life counts, and one life lost is one too many," he added.

Under regulations that took effect in 2004, work zone speed fines are $375 for first-time offenders and $1,000 for second-time offenders, with the loss of their driver's license for 90 days. If a motorist hits a worker, they face a $10,000 fine and up to 14 years in prison.

Photo speed enforcement vans operated by state police troopers will be out in force again this year during construction season. The work zone fines apply for photo speed enforcement. Signs announcing the vans' potential presence are posted prior to motorists entering the zone, and a speed indicator board above the van gives the driver one last chance to slow down.

On average, there are over 7,000 work zone motor vehicle crashes in Illinois every year. In 2011, 24 people died in work zone crashes. Of the fatalities, 21 were drivers or passengers, two were construction workers, and one was a pedestrian.

This is the 11th year for Work Zone Awareness Week in Illinois, and several additional events are scheduled to promote safety. On Friday, IDOT workers, state police and the Laborers International Union of North America will be at rest stops, reminding motorists to drive safely in work zones.

In an effort to reduce fatalities on roadways, Illinois has adopted an overall zero fatality goal as part of the Illinois Strategic Highway Plan. The plan includes a reduction in work zone-related fatalities, with measurable targeted reductions every year. The agency's goal is to have zero worker fatalities and reduce work zone crashes by 5 percent annually. To help achieve this goal, the agency recommends slowing down, obeying posted speed limits, putting down the cellphone and avoiding distraction in a work zone. "Driving Zero Fatalities to a Reality" is the message Illinois adopted to remind motorists that every life counts.

For more information regarding National Work Zone Awareness Week in Illinois, visit . http://www.dot.il.gov/safetyEng/
wzawarenessweek.html.

[Text from Illinois Department of Transportation file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]