Tuesday, April 20, 2010

No Room for Error in Construction Zones—Observing National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week

This week is National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week. It is a time designated to raise awareness about work zone safety, and urge motorists to exercise caution in work zones. The important thing to remember though is that every day is a day for safety in construction zones and on highways.

In Kansas roadwork occurs nearly every day, regardless of the season. Road workers have a reasonable expectation to return home safely at the end of every day. As motorists, we must drive defensively and obey the laws to ensure the safety of our roadway workers. The safety of drivers and their passengers is imperative, as well. Annually 85-percent of those killed in work zones are drivers/passengers.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is committed to the safety of road workers. Every year, we patrol the construction zones, looking for motorists speeding, and violations of other Kansas’ laws. Like KDOT’s road workers, we spend much of our time on the side of the road. Most every trooper or road worker could tell you of a close call they’ve had with traffic. Many officers greatest fear is of being struck by a passing motorist.

Each and every day, KDOT workers, and Patrol workers put their lives on the line to increase the safety of the motoring public, whether it be assisting a stranded motorist, stopping a car, directing traffic at a crash scene, filling a pothole, or re-striping the highway. It’s a tough job that many people will not answer the call for. But these dedicated workers do, and they should be kept safe while making Kansas’ roads safer for all of us.

Too often when driving through a construction zone, motorists are observed not paying attention. This can be a dangerous situation anytime, but especially in a construction zone when there is less room for error, with roadway workers and heavy equipment present. Drivers need to slow down in these work zones. Put cell phones down, allow plenty of room between you and the workers, and simply pay attention.

As a partner and strong supporter of the Patrol’s, KDOT’s workers are valued by Patrol personnel. As we have joined in so many other partnerships, we’d like to join KDOT in this initiative to protect our workers on Kansas highways.