DOTD observes Work Zone Awareness Week
Monday, April 20, 2020 at 9:40:25 AM
Baton Rouge, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development will observe Work Zone Awareness Week April 20-April 24. This is a nationwide safety campaign designed to bring awareness to the men and women in work zones across the country and encourage motorists to use safety precautions while driving through them.
The theme for this year’s campaign is “Safe Work Zones for All: We Can Do It!” which reinforces the message that DOTD has been sending to drivers to remember to pay attention and slowdown in work zones.
“Work zones are essentially the office spaces for thousands of individuals who work on our roadways, which is why it is crucial for motorists to use extra precautions in work zones and not drive distracted,” said DOTD Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D. “The spring and summer months are traditionally one of the busiest seasons for the construction industry and I want to encourage motorists to be on the lookout for crews, whether on the interstate or rural roads.”
As part of Work Zone Awareness Week, a safety cone memorial has been set up in front of DOTD headquarters. This is in recognition of those who have lost their lives in work zones. Across the nation, a total of 754 lives were lost in 2018. In Louisiana, there were 519 injuries, with two reported fatalities. These cones are a reminder of the DOTD workers that have lost their lives while performing their job duties. Paul Featherston passed away July 2017 after being struck by a vehicle that failed to stop in a work zone. Johnny Cole was struck by the driver of an 18-wheeler who failed to stop in June 2019. Earlier this year, Dwayne Pitre was hit in a work zone while picking up litter. He was injured and has recovered from this incident.
“LSP has experienced firsthand the dangers of inattentive drivers while working alongside DOTD representatives in work zones,” said Colonel Kevin Reeves, State Police Superintendent. “Troopers remain committed to ensuring the safety of our state’s work zones through proactive enforcement and education on the dangers of impaired and distracted driving.”
DOTD, as well as transportation agencies nationwide, will be participating in Go Orange Day on April 22 to show support for work zone safety. We encourage the public to participate as well by using the #NWZAW tag for all messages and posts.
“During this time of global pandemic, we routinely hear the phrase, “We’re all in this together.” That same sentiment is just as true for work zone safety. All roadway workers are entitled to a safe working environment and Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is committed to helping to make that happen,” said Executive Director Lisa Freeman who wants drivers to recognize their responsibility to all road users—especially those outside of a vehicle, such as work zone workers. “Paying attention is one of the most important and responsible actions a driver can take—for themselves, other motorists and those working to improve our roadway, remembering that outcomes are a direct result of driver behavior and remembering that we are all in this together.”
Since 1999, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, the Federal Highway Administration and the American Traffic Safety Services Association have coordinated and sponsored National Work Zone Awareness Week. Those wishing to participate or follow along on social media can do so by using the hashtags #Orange4Safety and #NWZAW.
For more information about Work Zone Awareness, visit www.destinationzerodeaths.com. For information on DOTD, please visit www.dotd.la.gov, email dotdcs@la.gov, or call DOTD’s Customer Service Center at (225) 379-1232 or 1-877-4LADOTD (1-877-452-3683). Business hours are 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Motorists can access up-to-date travel information by dialing 511 or by visiting www.511la.org. Out of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511).