Date:
Friday, March 30, 2007
Contact:
Lisa Murdock, Olympic Region Communication Manager, 360/357-2789
OLYMPIA – Days before national work zone awareness week, WSDOT and its contractor, Kiewit Pacific Co., got a reality check Thursday night when a driver crashed in the work zone near the Tacoma Dome. The driver of the vehicle and one highway worker were transported to the hospital.
“This is a painful reminder of the importance of work zone awareness,” said Kevin Dayton, region administrator. “We’re so thankful no one was killed, but it’s very early in one of the biggest construction seasons ever and we need everyone to be extra attentive and cautious in work zones.”
This year is particularly meaningful to WSDOT as it’s also 25th anniversary of the passing of Robert (Bobby) Johnson, WSDOT maintenance tech, who died clearing a roadway on US 12 in February 1982. WSDOT will honor Johnson in a special ceremony April 3 in Aberdeen.*
Highway construction is undoubtedly one of the most dangerous professions. Interestingly though, each year nearly 1,100 men, women and children are killed in work zones nationwide – and four out of five of the deaths are motorists – not highway workers.
WSDOT is committed to raising awareness about work zone safety and will encourage motorists to slow down and “Give ‘em a brake” throughout the busy construction season. Drivers are also reminded that traffic fines double in work zones. Work zone tickets issued by the Washington State Patrol are indisputable.
For more information about work zone safety visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/brake/default.htm
To find out what WSDOT is doing to commemorate National Work Zone Awareness Week statewide, contact Alice Fiman, WSDOT Communications, (360) 705-7080.
*Media wishing to attend the memorial in Aberdeen can contact Kelly Stowe, WSDOT Communications, (360) 357-2716.
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