Peach Tree Times

The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is taking part in National Work Zone Awareness Week from April 21 to 25. This annual campaign, initiated in 1999, aims to highlight the importance of safe driving in work zones. Georgia DOT refers to this effort as Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, emphasizing the safety of both motorists and workers on the road.

The theme for this year's national campaign is “Respect The Zone So We All Get Home.” The theme serves as a reminder for motorists to exhibit caution in work zones. This includes moving over, slowing down, and paying attention to protect construction and maintenance workers, first responders, Highway Emergency Response Operators (HERO), Coordinated Highway Assistance & Maintenance Program (CHAMP) operators, and tow truck drivers. The underlying message is that work zone safety requires collective responsibility.

Russell R. McMurry, P.E., the Georgia DOT Commissioner, expressed concerns: "Far too many families have experienced the heartbreak of loved ones never returning home due to work zone-related crashes. What you do behind the wheel has lasting consequences. Please drive responsibly in and around work zones to keep everyone safe."

Data from 2024 reveals there were 12,345 work-zone-related crashes in Georgia, resulting in 4,685 injuries. Of these incidents, 53% were roadway departure and rear-end crashes. Additionally, 11 fatalities involved commercial vehicles, and seven were pedestrian fatalities.

Georgia DOT provides several recommendations for driving safely in work zones:

- Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives.

- Pay attention.

- Slow down, even in lighter than normal traffic.

- Watch for workers and move over to create a buffer lane when possible.

- Expect unexpected changes such as reduced speed limits or closed lanes.

- Slow down and avoid tailgating, maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles and construction workers.

- Obey road crew signage and directions, as failure to do so can result in significant fines.

- Stay alert and avoid distractions such as cell phones.

- Maintain the flow of traffic without slowing down unnecessarily.

- Plan ahead for delays by using resources like 511 for real-time traffic information.

- Be patient and remain calm as crews work to improve road conditions.

- Always wear your seatbelt and ensure passengers do the same.

- Keep your speed under control, avoiding impairment from drugs, alcohol, or sleeplessness.

For a complete guide to National Work Zone Awareness Week and additional resources, including images and FAQs, visit the Georgia Department of Transportation's Work Zone Safety Program and other authoritative sources like the American Traffic Safety Services Association.

Georgia DOT is responsible for planning, constructing, and maintaining Georgia's highways, alongside managing other transportation modes and assisting local governments with road maintenance. The department is dedicated to innovation, safety, and sustainability, striving to enhance Georgia's competitive edge through its transportation initiatives.