LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Raul Leal,

 LAREDO – For many motorists, the first word that comes to mind when a highway construction work zone is ahead is “delay,” when the word that should come to mind is “caution.” Work zones can be hazardous places for motorists as well as construction crews working to improve Texas highways. That’s way every year the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) joins national, state and local agencies in observance of National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 4-8, 2011.

 Locally, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Laredo District will host a Partnering for Work Zone Safety press conference to remember work zone victims and raise awareness of safety precautions for workers and motorists in work zones. The event is set for April 6, 2011, 9:30 a.m. at the corner of Cuatro Vientos Rd. and LaPita Mangana Rd. Law enforcement officials and contractors will be on hand to urge motorists to take extra care when traveling in and around work zones.

 Nationally, there are more than 700 fatalities and 40,000 injuries in work zone-related crashes each year. Eighty–five percent of those killed in work zones are drivers or their passengers. In 2009, Texas recorded 15,131 crashed and 108 fatalities in roadway construction and maintenance work zones. In 2009, there were 3,871 distracted driver crashes in Texas work zones, involving 7,837 vehicles. These distracted drive crashes resulted in 27 fatalities. Also, did you know that one in three work zone crashes is a read-end collision, and that speeding and inattention are the most common causes of work zone crashes.

 Ten Tips for Driving Safely in Work Zones:

• Expect the unexpected
• Slow down
• Don’t tailgate
• Steer clear of cones and crews
• Pay attention to posted signs
• Obey road crew flaggers
• Stay alert and minimize distractions
• Keep up with traffic flow
• Pre-plan your trip
• Be patient and stay calm