Work Zone Awareness Week in Illinois
Transportation agencies, law enforcement and highway safety
advocates launch 'Embrace the Orange' campaign
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[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.
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"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.
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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] |