TXDOT SPONSORING DRIVE SAFE, DRIVE SMART CAMPAIGN

  

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With 84 percent of the 2013 work zone fatalities being motorists rather than workers, the Texas Department of Transportation is beginning a full week of awareness promoting work zone safety with its Be Safe, Drive Smart Campaign.

The week begins today (Monday) and continues through Friday.  The campaign reminds drivers to slow down, stay alert and obey traffic signs to protect themselves and roadside workers.

In Texas, there can be more than 2500 active TxDot work zone workers at any given time.  Last year, 17,266 work zone crashes resulted in 3522 serious injuries and 115 fatalities.  As roadway maintenance and construction efforts continue to address a state population that grows by about 1000 people day, drivers should expect to encounter a work zone at any given time.

Outside TxDot work zones, drivers also are reminded to move over or slow down when approaching work crews, vehicles and other equipment performing maintenance and clean up along roadways.  Failure to do so can result in a fine up to $2000.

During National Work Zone Awareness Week, TxDot’s permanent dynamic message signs along state highways and roadways will remind drivers to use caution to be safe and drive smart in work zones.