BRIDGEVILLE, Pa., March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- They are your fathers,
brothers, mothers and sisters. Like you, the roadside work crews have
families, friends and loved ones who depend on them. Don't put their lives
and the welfare of their children at risk by driving recklessly through work
zones.
National Work Zone Safety Week begins the week of April 3rd. State
Transportation Secretary Bradley L. Mallory is launching a new initiative
aimed at promoting safety in Pennsylvania highway work zones. PennDOT's
District 11 will be participating in this innovative campaign to enhance
public awareness that drivers need to exercise increased caution and SLOW
DOWN when traveling through work zones.
The new orange and black roadside sign, "Slow down, my daddy/mommy works
here" (written in children's "Crayon" text), is designed to remind drivers
that construction crews are more than obstacles and delays. They are living,
breathing people with families to support and children who love them. Raymond
Hack, P.E., PennDOT's District 11, will be unveiling the new signs on Route 28
southbound, Monday, April 3, at 11 a.m.
Over the last 5 years the number of persons killed in motor vehicle
crashes in work zones is an average of 760 fatalities each year, nationwide.
Allegheny, Beaver and Lawrence counties have 1,317 work zone crashes that have
occurred between 1994 and 1999. A car traveling 60 mph travels 88 feet per
second. If you're going 60 mph, and you pass a sign that says "Road Work 1500
feet," you'll be in that work zone in 17 seconds.
The safety way to travel through a work zone is to pay attention to the
special warning signs and stay alert. Motorists are reminded that fines for
speeding and other traffic violations are doubled in work zones.
Just remember, work zone crews members are working to improve your future
ride, not to personally inconvenience you. Make sure these
parents/grandparents can return home to their families by driving patiently,
respectfully, and slowing down in work zones. Be a driver who makes a
difference.
SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
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Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/682850.html or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 682850
CONTACT:
Catherine Tress of PennDOT, 412-429-6035
NOTE TO EDITORS: Participating in the event will be Pittsburgh
Vision Services representatives -- contracted with PennDOT to
produce safety signs, Pennsylvania State Police, Allegheny county
traffic safety coordinator, and President of Pennsylvania
American Traffic Safety Services Association.
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