N.Ky. ready to ‘Revive the Drive’ safely

PARK HILLS, Ky. - On average, a life is lost every 13 hours in work zone crashes in the United States.

In 2009, 667 people were killed in the United States in work zones. And 40,000 drivers or passengers were injured. Last year in Kentucky, the toll was one person killed and 116 people injured.

It’s stats like those that have preempted the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to campaign for safer driving, safer work zones.

National Work Zone Safety Week is April 4-8, however, the cabinet said that motorists should be cautious all year round since construction occurs 12 months out of the year.

“Sadly, people are killed every year in highway work zones, but that doesn’t have to happen,” said Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock. “Drivers have the power to turn those statistics around by paying attention to their surroundings and obeying work zone restrictions.”

Northern Kentucky is just one of the Districts that is set to “Revive the Drive” as construction season hits the pavement.

As Interstate 275 and I-75/71 begin to accumulate orange barrels throughout the spring and summer, drivers need to take extra precaution when traveling through work zones, not only for the safety of workers, but also themselves, said Chief District 6 Engineer Rob Hans.

Work zones can involve highway construction and maintenance workers, utility crews, mowing contractors, brush cutters and tree trimmers. Eighty-five percent of those killed are motorists.

“For every five victims of either an injury or fatality in a work zone, four of those five are the motorist, not the work zone construction workers.”

A split second of driver distraction can turn a highway work zone into a death zone, therefore Hans said drivers must pay attention, stop texting and slow down in work zones.

The cabinet asks motorists to practice 10 work zone safety tips:
1. Expect the unexpected.
1. Slow down.
2. Don’t tailgate. Keep a safe distance between vehicles.
3. Keep a safe distance from workers and equipment.
4. Pay attention to signs.
5. Obey road crew flaggers.
6. Stay alert and minimize distractions.
7. Keep up with the traffic flow.
8. Schedule enough time and call 511 or go to www.511.ky.gov for Kentucky traffic and travel information.
9. Be patient and stay calm.

For a complete list of construction projects, or to compute a different travel itinerary for your commute visit KYTC’s Facebook page or visit Revive the Drive .