TDOT Reminds Motorists: In Work Zones – Don’t Be THAT Driver

Monday, April 11, 2016 | 09:01am

National Work Zone Awareness Week April 11-15

Media Partners: For your convenience, B-roll of work zones and soundbites with TDOT Commissioner Schroer and TDOT workers are included in this release. We appreciate your help in drawing attention to the importance of work zone safety.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Transportation is joining states across the nation to remind motorists “Don’t be THAT driver: Work on safety. Get home safely. Every day.” TDOT will spread that message statewide during National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 11-15) in an effort to improve safety in Tennessee’s interstate and highway construction and maintenance work zones.

“Work zones include everything from major interstate widening projects to pothole patching and mowing, and conditions in those areas can change quickly,” said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer. “We want everyone to get home safely, so don’t be that distracted or aggressive driver in work zones. Please pay attention to signs, reduce your speed, and move over when possible.” 

The spring and summer months provide perfect weather for highway work, and motorists will encounter work zones across Tennessee in downtowns, along interstates and in rural areas. Last year in Tennessee, 18 people died in work zone crashes, including workers, drivers and passengers.

Work zone safety messages will be displayed on TDOT’s overhead Dynamic Message Signs on interstates in Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga and Knoxville. There will also be special displays across the state to honor the 109 TDOT workers lost in the line of duty since 1948. The locations of the displays are as follows:

  • I-640 near mile marker 8, Knoxville
  • I-75 Exit 9, Chattanooga
  • I-40/I-65 split near Demonbreun, Nashville
  • 300 Benchmark Place, Jackson (TDOT Regional Office)

Media:  On our YouTube channel, you will find raw interviews with TDOT Commissioner Schroer, TDOT workers, and B-roll for an easy-to-make story on Work Zone Safety.

https://youtu.be/_T_J20JEeq0?list=PL6hC2tzJMjXHMZQ0aPBqTscMeC-8ojar3

From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel. 

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination.  Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

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