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DelDOT launches new campaign "Work Zone Safety is for Everyone"

Delaware Public Media

State transportation officials say awareness is the key to work zone safety on the roads.

 

 

Delaware’s Department of Transportation joined its counterparts nationwide Wednesday to celebrate National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week.

“All around the country this week, transportation agencies are calling attention to the importance of work zone safety. Unfortunately, we’re seeing an increase in work zone-related crashes around the country and just some statistics. Every 13 minutes, someone in the United States is injured in a work zone crash,” said C.R. McLeod, DelDOT's communications director.

He says DelDOT has fortunately not seen any work zone-related employee fatalities in several years.

“Thankfully in Delaware we have not seen a work zone-related employee fatality for several years; so we’re very thankful for that. However, we are still seeing motorists getting involved in accidents and that does create unsafe situations for our employees and contractors who are out working on the roadways,” said McLeod.

And the agency hopes to keep it what way with its “Work Zone Safety for Everyone” campaign.  He says it draws attention to the need to be very cautious when traveling through the First State’s many work zones.

McLeod says simple tips for improving work zone safety include:  when you see the “orange and black,” be extra cautious, and look for warning signs that let you know what to expect and look for barrels or cones that guide you where to go.

 

Kelli Steele has over 30 years of experience covering news in Delaware, Baltimore, Winchester, Virginia, Phoenix, Arizona and San Diego, California.