The Indiana Department of Transportation is recognizing Work Zone Awareness Week, and they’re reminding motorists not to be THAT driver.
Work Zone Awareness Week is advertised April 11th through the 15th. Those dates mark the unofficial start of construction season. By promoting awareness, INDOT hopes to improve driver and worker safety in work zones.
Last year, 17 people were killed and 700 were injured while traveling through Indiana construction zones. The state says it’s important to promote awareness this year because $800-million is being allocated for road repairs and construction projects around the state. Local governments are participating in the construction.
There are penalties in place for those driving aggressively in a construction zone, and possible prison time for motorists that strike a construction worker. Fines only promote a greater police presence near construction zones.
INDOT says that by avoiding distractions, slowing down, and allowing room between vehicles, construction season can proceed safely.
