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| June 17, 2011
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Michigan DOT: Drivers Hold Key to Safety in Work Zones |
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The Michigan Department of Transportation last week announced the state's 2010 road construction work zone crash statistics. Last year, there were 5,632 crashes, 1,488 injuries, and 24 fatalities in highway work zones. Compared to 2009, there were nearly 500 more crashes in Michigan work zones and more than 100 more injuries. Fatalities also increased.
MDOT's data analysis shows that nearly all of the fatalities (23 of 24) involved drivers and/or their passengers. One death involved a road worker. "Focused driving is simply safer and can make a big difference," Michigan Transportation Director Kirk Steudle, AASHTO vice president, said in a statement. "The life you save could be your own." MDOT's annual public awareness campaign will include a one-minute public-service announcement on Michigan Radio Network affiliate stations throughout the state. "Whether it's protecting our workers or people driving through a work zone, as more drivers focus on safety, we can all get home safely," Steudle said. More information, including the 2010 work zone crash statistics and the public-service announcement, is available at www.michigan.gov/workzonesafety. Questions regarding this article may be directed to editor@aashtojournal.org. |