End The Streak In Texas

TRAFFIC DEATHS SPIKED IN TEXAS WORK ZONES

Local TxDOT employee injured in work zone crashes urges drivers to slow down and pay attention.

Apr. 11, 2022

ATLANTA ­– As road construction projects ramp up statewide, TxDOT officials ask motorists to slow down and stay alert when driving through Texas’ thousands of work zones to protect themselves and others. In 2021, traffic crashes in the state’s work zones claimed the lives of 244 people, a 33% increase over the previous year.

TxDOT Atlanta District Transportation Specialist Chad Heldt recalls the work zone crash that seriously injured him in 2010. “At the end of the day, we want to go home, and that was one day I didn’t make it home.” Heldt still deals with the effects of numerous injuries. “I’m still here to hurt, and I’m very grateful for that,” he said.

In the Atlanta District in 2021, there were seven fatal crashes in work zones. Dozens of others were injured.

“Driving in work zones can be challenging,” said Atlanta District Safety Officer J.J. Singleton. “For the safety of everyone, we hope motorists will slow down and pay attention to the changing conditions around them. Road crews may be working only a few feet away from your vehicle.”

Atlanta District Traffic Safety Specialist Kristy Whisenhunt said road construction could slow down your commute time, so plan accordingly. “Allow extra time, and don’t tailgate. She said that rear-end collisions are the most common type of crash in work zones.”

Drivers and their passengers accounted for most of those who died in Texas’ work zone crash last year: 195 motorists or vehicle passengers, 38 pedestrians, four bicyclists, and three roadside construction workers. Speeding and driver inattention were among the leading causes of crashes.

“Our goal at TxDOT is to work every single day to make our roads safer,” said Atlanta District Engineer Buddy Williams. “Safe driving is a decision, something that needs to be a habit for all of us. Our lives and the lives of our loved ones depend on it.”

With these alarming statistics in mind, TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign is marking National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 11–15, by sharing safety tips to prevent work zone crashes and fatalities.

“It’s cause for tremendous concern that the number of people killed on our roadways reached a 40-year high last year and fatalities in our work zones rose dramatically,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “It’s important for drivers to remember that driving conditions in work zones can be especially challenging because of extra congestion, slow-moving heavy equipment, temporary barriers, and vehicles that make sudden stops. That’s why it’s crucial for everyone to give driving their full attention and drive at a safe speed in areas where construction and maintenance are underway.”

The “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign offers five tips for driving safely through a work zone:

1. Slow down. Follow the posted speed limit and adjust your driving to match road conditions.
2. Pay attention. Avoid distractions, keep your mind on the road and put your phone away.
3. Watch out for road crews. The only protective gear they wear is reflective clothing, a hard hat, and safety boots. Always follow flaggers’ instructions and be mindful of construction area road signs. 
4. Don’t tailgate. Give yourself room to stop in a hurry, should you need to. Rear-end collisions are the most common kind of work zone crashes.
5. Allow extra time. Road construction can slow things down. Count on it, and plan for it.

Roadside safety also complies with the state’s Move Over/Slow Down law. It requires drivers to move over a lane or reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching a TxDOT vehicle, emergency vehicle, law enforcement, tow truck, or utility vehicle stopped with flashing lights activated on the roadside.

Traffic fines double in work zones when workers are present and cost up to $2,000. Failure to heed the Move Over/Slow Down law also can result in a fine of up to $2,000.

“Be Safe. Drive Smart.” is a critical component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort. It encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel, such as wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving, and never driving under alcohol or other drugs. Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths.

All roadway safety professionals are encouraged to wear orange on Apr. 13 for National Go Orange Day to show their support of work zone safety proudly.