Nashville, Tennessee --- The Tennessee Department of Safety announced today the Tennessee Highway Patrol is continuing efforts to reduce accidents in the state's construction work zones. Project CAR (Construction Accident Reduction) targets motorists who violate traffic laws while traveling through highway work zones when road workers are present.

"Construction and maintenance work zones can be dangerous places for both workers and motorists," Governor Phil Bredesen stated. "The increased presence of State Troopers in work zones is helping keep Tennessee 's construction and maintenance zones safer for everyone and I am pleased to see this important program continued."

Since it began, the CAR program has resulted in more than 24,000 citations and warnings written to motorists for violations in work zones. Most importantly, no fatal accidents were reported in work zones where a State Trooper was present.

Tennessee 's Work Zone Awareness Week runs through April 9.

As head of both the Tennessee Department of Transportation and Interim head of the Department of Safety, Commissioner Gerald Nicely emphasized the importance of using caution in all work zones, "Construction work zones change frequently as work progresses, so it is vitally important for motorists to drive carefully and slow down. Those reduced speed limits are there to protect you, plus if you're caught speeding in a work zone it can be costly."

Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.

A federal grant administered through the Governor's Highway

Safety Office helps fund increased enforcement in the state's highway construction zones. "People need to remember these aren't just workers out there on the side of the roadway. They are also mothers, brothers, fathers and sisters," stated Governor's Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole. "I'm pleased that we are able to help support enforcement that protects highway workers and the motorists around them"

Goals of Project CAR, which runs through September 30, include:

• Increasing visibility and enforcement in assigned zones
• Providing assistance to stranded motorists
• Maintaining an active patrol of the entire work zone
• Aggressively enforcing safety belt and child passenger restraint laws

Efforts are being concentrated on factors which have been identified as causes of previous work zone crashes.

"Speeding, following too closely and failing to pay attention are common causes of crashes in work zones," said Highway Patrol Colonel Mike Walker. "Safety in work zones is simple: Slow down, pay attention and always buckle up."

Since the program began in 2005, a total of 11,175 man-hours have been dedicated to enforcement in and around work zones across the state. This is the equivalent of 1,396 troopers (average) assigned to patrol work zones. During this time a total of 24,090 citations and warnings were issued to motorists. That equals 2.1 enforcement actions taken per hour worked. In addition, no fatal crashes were reported in any of the work zones were State Troopers were providing enforcement. A total of 78 crashes were investigated involving 131 vehicles. Of those 78 crashes, 38 people were reported as injured. In all, 503 motorists have been provided assistance through the CAR program. In addition, inspections have been preformed on 67 commercial vehicles resulting in 4 vehicles and 8 drivers being placed out of service.

Click here to read a Fact Sheet containing more information on Project CAR.

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tn.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.