This video is for a Maintenance of Traffic course required by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). A few years ago, FDOT released a series of public service announcements to call attention to safe driving in work zones throughout the Sunshine State. We’re posting this now because today marks the start of the 2012 National Work Zone Awareness Week. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has been working with the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) in coordinating and sponsoring the event every April since 1999. This year, the awareness week is from April 23-27.
According to FDOT, 2008 marked the first time since 2003 that the number of deaths in Florida construction zones dropped below 100. However, the 93 deaths that year are still too many—especially since many of the accidents that resulted in fatalities could have been prevented.
FHWA said that about 6 million people heard or saw the PSAs released by FDOT. Furthermore, Florida developed its own theme, “Work Zone Safety. It’s Everyone’s Job.” According to FHWA, Florida’s campaign included a new website (www.itseveryonesjob.com) that generated about 30,000 hits and included about 20,000 brochures that were handed out as well.
While work zone fatalities have been declining over the past decade, we must all remain committed to driving responsibly in construction zones to help the numbers decrease even more. On Friday, we will offer some tips for drivers to help avoid being involved in a work zone auto accident.
Wooten Kimbrough, P.A. – Orlando personal injury lawyers