IDOT: 'Embrace the Orange' and help save lives

[August 15, 2012]  SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider has announced a new website to help promote the department's latest work zone safety campaign, "Embrace the Orange." As a part of the campaign, the motoring public is encouraged to sign the "Work Zone Safety Pledge" featured on the new site. The campaign goals are to reduce work zone crashes and fatalities on Illinois roadways.

"We are trying new and creative ways to help make zero fatalities a reality in Illinois," Schneider said. "We have seen a dramatic increase in fatalities this year, and we want to remind all motorists to obey posted speed limits, stop texting and driving, and always remember that talking on cellphones or using any hand-held devices while driving through a work zone is illegal."

On the new website, visitors will find detailed information about how to be safe in work zones, work zone standards and policies, information about photo speed enforcement, and work zone crash statistics. Visitors to the website are also encouraged to do their part to help save lives and sign the Work Zone Safety Pledge. The pledge asks motorists not to text and drive or talk on the phone in work zones. It also encourages motorists to be safe in work zones by obeying the posted speed limits at all times, paying attention to changing conditions and being courteous to other motorists.

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

In June 2012, the Illinois Department of Transportation kicked off the work zone safety campaign and partnered with Comcast Cable to create "Seymour Signs," a bold, animated character, to help educate motorists on the dangers of reckless driving in work zones. The commercial can be viewed on the new website.

To access the new website or take the pledge, visit the Embrace the Orange website at www.embracetheorange.com.

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