RICHMOND - Did you know that you could get a ticket of up to $500 for speeding in a work zone? The deterrent is one way to get motorists to heed the orange signs and drive safely through highway work zones. “Slow Down or Pay Up” is the key message of this year’s national Work Zone Awareness Week, which will be recognized by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) from April 3 - 9. Virginia State Police troopers will increase their presence in or near work zones during the week.

“Work Zone Awareness Week is one way to bring public attention to a very critical safety issue that affects our road crews and contractors as well as millions of motorists,” said VDOT Commissioner Philip Shucet. “VDOT, our contractors and State Police make work zones as safe as possible, but it is up to all of us who drive on Virginia’s roadways to be cautious and pay attention to the warning signs. The consequences of not slowing down in a work zone could be far more serious than a $500 speeding ticket. ”

Sixteen people died and 308 others were injured in Virginia’s work zones in 2003, according to the latest available statistics. While highway construction is one of the most dangerous professions in America, four of every five persons killed in work zones are motorists or pedestrians.

VDOT urges motorists to drive safely through highway work zones by following these tips:
- Expect the unexpected – a work zone can change overnight
- Stay alert - give your full attention to the roadway and those traveling around you
- Minimize distractions – avoid changing radio stations or talking on the cell phone
- Obey posted speed limits – speeding in a work zone could cost you $500
- Don’t follow closely – leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead and avoid changing lanes
- Watch for flaggers – follow their directions
Be patient – highway workers are improving the roads for your benefit too

Work Zone Awareness Outreach:

National event - VDOT and Virginia State Police will participate in a national event on Tues., April 5, on the Maryland side of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.

Teen outreach - Work zone safety awareness is a year-round effort for VDOT employees and the Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance (VTCA) members. They take their safety message to teen drivers who are involved in the highest number of traffic accidents and fatalities than any other age group. Last year, nearly 20,000 students across the state learned about work zone safety. VDOT and the VTCA expect to reach 25,000 teens this year.

VDOT Workers’ Memorial - The huge granite memorial in the second scenic overlook on I-64 east of Afton Mountain is a striking reminder of work zone dangers. The memorial bears the names of 124 state highway transportation workers who have died of job-related causes since the 1930s. Many of the deaths occurred in work zones.

For more information on Work Zone Awareness, go to: /images/NWZAWPoster_LowRes.jpg

Page last modified: April 20, 2007