National Work Zone Awareness week is April 23-27. Considering the amount of road construction that is taking place all throughout our state it is important to take some time and review work zone safety issues. According to the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) more than 1,000 people die nationally in work zones each year, equaling to be nearly three per day. National Work Zone Awareness Week works to emphasize and further the importance of safety on our roadways. INDOT offers the following suggestions while driving through a work zone: • Stay alert The great concern of lawmakers involving work zone areas is to protect our highway workers from injury and potential fatalities. This is why The Indiana Work Zone Safety Law was recently revised to set steeper penalties for driving infractions within highway work zones. According to this law, first time citations for speeding in a work zone will result in a minimum fine of $300. The fine will increase to a minimum of $500 for a second offense and $1,000 for a third offense within three years. Motorists who drive recklessly or aggressively through work zone areas can face fines up to $5,000. Work Zone Awareness Week should remind us all to be careful and attentive while traveling our roadways. Following a few simple steps could save lives. For more information on National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week visit: http://www.workzonesafety.org/news_events/awareness_week/2012 For more information on work zone safety provided by the Indiana Department of Transportation visit: http://www.in.gov/idot/2356.htm |
