National Work Zone Awareness Week April 11-15
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Transportation is joining states across the nation to ask motorists to Work with Us – move over and slow down for highway workers. TDOT will spread that message statewide during National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 11-15) to improve safety in Tennessee’s interstate and highway construction and maintenance work zones.
“It’s been six years since our TDOT family lost three employees struck and killed by passing motorists, and it’s still fresh in our memories,” TDOT Interim Commissioner Joe Galbato said. “Hundreds of TDOT employees are working on our highways each day. We need motorists to work with us by moving over and slowing down for our workers and first responders along our interstates and state routes. We ask drivers to pay attention to signs, observe the hands-free law, reduce your speed, and move over when possible.”
The spring and summer months provide perfect weather for highway work. Work zones include everything from major interstate widening projects to pothole patching and mowing. Motorists will encounter work zones across the state. Last year in Tennessee, 26 people died in work zone crashes.
TDOT launched the Work with Us – Move Over, Slow Down safety campaign five years ago to help bring awareness to the importance of safety in work zones. To learn more about the campaign, see the answers to many frequently asked questions about work zones, and take the Work with Us pledge, click on the Work with Us link below.
TDOT’s overhead Dynamic Message Signs will display work zone safety messages on interstates in Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville. Prominent buildings and bridges will be lighted in orange, and “Work with Us – Move Over, Slow Down” signs are posted at work zones across the state, displaying this message at various locations statewide.
This Wednesday, April 13, is “wear orange day.” Please show your support for National Work Zone Awareness by wearing orange. Throughout this week, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as TDOT will be posting photos, infographics, and videos to broaden awareness of the importance of driving safe and undistracted, especially through work zones.
