National Work Zone Awareness Week : April 15 - 19

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

National Work Zone Safety Week, "We're all in this Together", is being recognized this year during the week of April 15 through the 19th.

With road construction season upon us, motorist will be traveling through roadway work zones and workers will be in and around traffic during construction projects.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, 4,400 people have died and 200,000 people were injured as a result of crashes in work zones across the country. Additional information on these crashes include:

• Drivers are the most frequent fatality
• Most work zone fatalities involve working age adults
• Rear end crashes are the most common type of work zone crashes
• Fatality work zone crashes occur most often in the summer and fall

Drivers in an around work zones are encouraged to remember these tips for their safety and the safety of workers:

• Stay Alert and Minimize Distractions
• Keep Your Headlights On
• Pay Attention to the Road
• Merge into the Proper Lane
• Don't Tailgate
• Obey the Posted Speed Limit
• Change Lanes Safely
• Follow Instructions from Flaggers
• Expect the Unexpected
• Be Patient

Columbia Public Works cares and encourages drivers to Drive Smart: Buckle Up, Slow Down, Save a Life.

For additional information on Work Zone Safety Week, visit Safety.FHWA.dot.gov