Transportation officials across the country are gearing up for National Work Zone Awareness Week April 6-12.

In 2001, the latest year for which statistics on work zone injuries and fatalities are available, more than 1,000 people were reported killed in work-zone related crashes. Most killed were motorists, not workers.

“This year, we will stress the danger to motorists,” Roger Wentz, executive director, the American Traffic Safety Services Association, said. As motorists observe orange signs when they approach a roadway work zone, Wentz suggests:

• Stay alert and give full attention to the roadway, signs and workers.
• Turn headlights on so workers and other drivers can see you.
• Never tailgate or speed and always slow to the posted limits, even if the workers are not immediately visible.
• Never change lanes in a work zone.
• Minimize distractions, such as use of cellular phones and onboard navigation systems.
• Always expect the unexpected – and be patient.