Governor Michael R. Pence is proclaiming March 23-27, 2015 as Work Zone Awareness Week in Indiana. Work Zone Awareness Week marks the ceremonial start to highway construction season and intends to bring awareness to motorist and worker safety in work zones.
More than $1.3 billion will be invested in construction projects to build and preserve Indiana’s highways in 2015. INDOT’s goal is to maximize both the safety and mobility of motorists and workers while maintaining as much access as possible to businesses, residents and emergency services.
INDOT is dedicated to continuously improving work zone safety for workers and motorists. Last year, 11 people were killed and more than 600 people were injured in Indiana highway work zones. Most of these injuries and deaths are caused by rear-end collisions, following too closely or making improper lane changes.
Slow Down and Avoid Distractions
Highway work zones leave no room for distractions. Do not use cell phones or other distractions while driving. Several studies show drivers using a phone are four times more likely to be in a crash.
Speeding or driving recklessly in work zones is costly. Motorists face fines up to $1000 for speeding, up to $5000 for driving recklessly, and up to $10,000 and/or a prison sentence of up to eight years for injuring or killing a worker. These fines are used to fund additional Indiana State Police work zone patrols.
Stay Updated
Drivers in Northwest Indiana can monitor road closures, road conditions, and traffic alerts at any time via the District’s social media channels:www.Facebook.com/INDOTNorthwest or Twitter @INDOTNorthwest. Or visit http://www.trafficwise.in.gov for INDOT’s TrafficWise Traveler Information Service.
