Washington, D.C. [April 03, 2007]—“Paying attention to the orange signs and electronic message boards can provide an extra degree of much-needed safety for both motorists and workers in roadway construction zones,” American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) Vice Chairman At-Large Bill Cox told a group of government and safety officials, transportation construction industry employees and motorists who gathered today at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in the Nation's Capital to mark National Work Zone Awareness Week.

The theme for this year's event, "Signs of Change," refers to the bright orange roadway signage alerting drivers to the various conditions found in work zones.

"The 'signs of change' are all around us. Motorists can see them in smoother roadway surfaces, safer interchanges, clearer signs and pavement markings that result from completed road improvements or new construction projects," said Cox, who also serves as president of Maryland-based Corman Construction, a key player in building the new Woodrow Wilson Bridge and nearby highway interchanges.

"In roadway work zones, however, signs of change mean motorists should prepare for rough surfaces, uneven pavement, short-term congestion and traffic queues that often present a need to slow down abruptly," Cox said. "The first step to improving safety is heeding the orange roadway warning and information signs."

According to ARTBA, nearly 1,100 people are killed and nearly 50,000 injured in roadway work zones annually. Approximately 90 percent of these fatalities are motorists and passengers.

Cox also offered some simple tips from ARTBA to help motorists safely drive through these sites:

•  Know the work zone signs.
•  Pay attention to other drivers.
•  Keep an eye out for workers.
•  Stay focused. Avoid distractions.
•  Expect the unexpected.
•  Keep your cool and be patient.

The eighth annual National Work Zone Awareness Week observance is supported by ARTBA, the Federal Highway Administration, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Associated General Contractors, American Traffic Safety Services Association, Va.-DOT, Md. -DOT and the District of Columbia DOT. The event serves to focus public attention on dangerous work zone conditions before the busy summer construction season begins.

ARTBA is a long-time leader in roadway work zone safety initiatives. The association's Transportation Development Foundation developed and manages the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse, the world's largest roadway work zone safety resource. In October, the Clearinghouse will host the National Traffic Management and Work Zone Safety Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. To learn more about the event and access the most current information on roadway work zone safety issues, visit the Clearinghouse website at www.workzonesafety.org.

For more information on these and other ARTBA safety programs, contact ARTBA Vice President of Safety & Education Brad Sant at bsant@artba.org.

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