TDOT Worker Recovering after Work Zone Collision
Wednesday, April 08, 2009 | 10:28am
Incident Highlights Importance of Work Zone Safety
Jackson, TN – A Tennessee Department of Transportation worker from Shelby County suffered minor injuries after the vehicle he was in was struck from behind on Highway 70 in Arlington Tuesday, April 7. The maintenance worker was traveling behind a piece of mowing equipment at the time of the accident. While the employee was not seriously hurt, the incident serves as an serious reminder about the importance of slowing down and using caution while traveling through work zones.
“This accident could have been absolutely tragic, not just for our employee but for the motorist who struck him,” said TDOT Region 4 Director Chuck Rychen. “We need drivers to be responsible when they encounter a work zone so that everyone can go home safely at the end of the day.”
April 6-10 is National Work Zone Awareness Week. TDOT has held a number of events across the state to bring attention to this important issue. In 2007, 21 Tennesseans died in work zone crashes. Accidents in work zones in Tennessee occur most often during the spring and summer months. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will bring hundreds of new transportation projects to counties across the state. This will mean an increase in highway work zones and increased dangers for motorists and for workers.
TDOT reminds motorists to:
- Slow down!Drive within the posted speed limits, which are usually reduced in work zones. If you don’t, you could pay up to a $500 fine.
- Watch for flaggers! Follow their signals, and don't change lanes within the work zone unless instructed to do so.
- Don’t tailgate!Most work zone crashes are rear-end collisions.
- Expect the unexpected!Work zones change constantly.
- Eliminate distractions!Put down the cell phone; leave the radio dial alone. This is not the time to look for a new CD!
- Keep your ears open!Do not wear earphones while driving.
- Merge early!You can be ticketed (and can cause a crash) for being a last chance merger.
- Turn your lights on before you enter the zone!Turn on your vehicle’s headlights to become more visible to workers and other motorists.
- Stay calm!Remember the work zone crew members are working to improve your future ride.
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For more information contact:
TDOT Communications Office
615-741-2331