Latest news with #WorkZoneAwarenessMonth
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
North Carolina Governor declares April Work Zone Awareness Month
JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has proclaimed April as Work Zone Awareness Month and the NCDOT has been named host of this year's nationwide campaign in promoting safely in work zones between Apr. 21-25 which will be National Work Zone Awareness Week. Work zones are areas on the road where improvements or repairs are being made, but due to distractions and speeding by drivers, they can become dangerous for everyone. Between 2019 and 2024, more than 217 people were killed with 47 deaths happening in North Carolina just last year. Whether on a highway or in your town, work zones are areas where drivers need to observe extreme caution. 'The main message we have for people is to approach all work zones with caution. The rules that apply to work zones really apply in all roads across the state,' Spokesman for NCDOT Jamie Kritzer said. 'Look out for people that are working there, that may be walking, some of the flags that are directing you to slow down or stop. Put down any distractions you may have. Speeding and distractions are two of the leading causes of serious injuries and deaths in work zones.' NCDOT will be promoting work zone safety this month, more specifically during Work Zone Awareness Week April 21-25. They also developed a national poster with the slogan for work zone safety, being 'Respect the Zone So We All Get Home,' which is being used nationwide to promote work zone safety. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
ODOT & OTA stress Work Zone Awareness Month in April
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – April is Work Zone Awareness Month. It's a time for drivers to recognize the role they play in work zones. Distracted driving in these areas can have impacts on construction delay or deadly consequences. 'Avoid the avoidable,' said Jeff Garder, the Director of Construction for the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. LOCAL NEWS: City of OKC hosts special collection April 12 In front of the State Department of Transportation, a memorial stands tall bearing the names of employees who lost their lives after being hit by cars while doing their job on Oklahoma roadways. You may remember recent names like Terry Clubb, Ira Henderson, Tim Vandiver, Gordan Pipkin, Jerrell Gray, and Rickie Nichols Jr. The most recent name added to the memorial is from December, when ODOT employee Jaden Jackson was killed while on the job in LeFlore County. Johnathan Brooks, an engineer with ODOT, said other road workers are alive but carry the scars. 'Personally, I know contractors that have been hit and have been in the hospitals for months and months,' said Brooks. It's something that can be avoided, and that's the focus in April, Work Zone Awareness Month. Garder said as temperatures rise, so does the number of active work zones. 'Its favorable conditions to get work done,' said Garder. Right now, there are more than 100 road projects across the state. After a crash, tie-ups and cleanup can take hours. LOCAL NEWS: New policy for animal intake at OKC Animal Welfare 'You're between barrier wall, and you're in a tighter configuration, where it's harder for first responders to get to the scene,' said Garder. Secondary accidents are also a risk. 'People have to slow down right? And brake their brakes really suddenly,' said Brooks. So remember, put away your distractions, drive the speed limit, and watch out for those making your commute better in the long run. Remember, buckling up may seem like a 'no-brainer,' but ODOT said Oklahoma is among the ten states where drivers and passengers are least likely to use seat belts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
