Work Zone Awareness Week

Hollidaysburg – Today along Route 22 near the Cross Keys Interchange, representatives from PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police gathered to stress the importance of using caution while traveling through highway work zones. Monday marks the beginning of National Work Zone Awareness Week.

Last year in District 9, 56 crashes occurred within a work zone. Luckily, there were no fatalities, but one worker was struck by a passing motorist. Two of the major factors relating to these crashes were speeding and driver distraction, as more than 80 percent were either rear-end collisions, or collisions where a driver hit a fixed object such as a concrete barrier or guide rail.

In 2009, state and local police issued nearly 400 traffic citations statewide to motorists speeding through work zones. Work zone violations carry with them a hefty fine and motorists caught going 11 to 15 miles over the posted speed limit in an active work zone, can be fined, given three points on their driver’s license and issued a 15-day license suspension.

District 9 will have more than 100 construction projects throughout its six counties this season. Drivers are asked to use extreme caution while traveling through these projects and are reminded of the following:

·         Be patient;

·         Slow down and obey the posted speed limit;

·         Always use your headlights while traveling through a work zone;

·         Maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you;

·         Avoid distractions; and

·         Always buckle up!

For more information, visit www.DriveSafePA.org