News Release: from the Katy Freeway Public Information Office
Work Zone Safety Awareness Week
Friday, Apr 2nd, 2004
Work Zone Safety Observed April 4-10
Each year over 1,000 men, women and children are killed in work zone crashes across the nation. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the Federal Highway Administration, American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and other roadway safety and construction organizations are encouraging Houston motorists to help reduce the number of highway work zone fatalities. Texas reported 192 highway work zone fatalities in 2002, the most recent figures available through a study by the ATSSA.
In observance of the 2004 National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 4-10, motorists are urged to take precautions while driving in highway work zones. "Construction and maintenance on our state’s highways are crucial in our efforts to improve safety and mobility. Driving conditions can change quickly in work zones and it is our job to make sure motorists receive proper warning," said Carlos Lopez, TxDOT’s director of traffic operations. "Texas motorists can make highway work zones safer for everyone by paying close attention to traffic signs, staying alert, avoiding lane changes and slowing down."
A Department of Public Safety study from statistics compiled most recently in 2001 revealed that in Houston alone there were 1,748 accidents in work zones, 350 more than reported in 2000. More tragically, the total number of deaths resulting from those work zone area mishaps rose as well – from five in 2000 to 15 in 2001. The number of injuries within that 12-month span rose from 1,682 to 2,012.
In the six-county TxDOT Houston District there were 3,854 accidents in 2001 and 32 deaths. Most recently TxDOT has adopted the use of prismatic fluorescent orange coloring on all work zone signs and safety devices to increase driver compliance. The fluorescent lettering provides greater visibility of work zone signs, especially during dawn, dusk and in foggy conditions. Signs are also overlaid with prismatic retro-reflective sheeting to increase brightness at night.
