Employees working in work zones are continuously exposed to distracted drivers and drivers traveling at high speeds. MaineDOT understands the exposure our employees face on a daily basis and will be heightening the department?s awareness of this issue throughout the year. Improving work zone safety is critical to our Mission and Goals and a new Statewide Capstone will measure the number of accidents, injuries and fatalities in work zone. We were one of the few states in the Country with ZERO Work Zone Fatalities in 2013 and will strive to maintain this distinction.
A news release from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) notes points to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics showing that 609 people died in highway work-zone crashes in 2012 ? 19 fatalities more fatalities than the previous year. Nearly 80 percent of victims in work zone crashes in 2012 were drivers or passengers, AASHTO notes.
?The latest statistics show that speeding was a factor in more than 35 percent of all fatal work zone crashes in 2012,? AASHTO Executive Director Bud Wright said in a written statement. ?This is the start of the roadway construction season and thousands of workers are going to be out there, on America?s highways and bridges.?