TDOT Asks Drivers To Pay Attention During Work Zone Awareness Week

The Tennessee Department of Transportation reminds drivers to be cautious of road workers during National Work Zone Awareness Week.

Spokeswoman Jennifer Flynn said the warmer weather typically signals the beginning of construction projects across the state.

“It is almost paving season. There’s going to be a lot of work going on and lots of big construction projects underway, and our workers will be out there on the road,” Flynn said. “The theme this year is ‘drive like you work here.’ Just imagine when you come upon a work crew… that’s your family member working out there, how would you want to drive around that, and how would you want other people to drive.”

Flynn said distracted driving increases the risk of an accident while driving through work zones.

“People don’t pay attention a lot of times and that’s some of the danger. They’re out there with live traffic beside them and they’re trying to do their job,” Flynn said. “Sometimes it’s just really really difficult and scary. There’s a lot of our workers who have had some pretty close calls, and in 2016, we lost three employees in one year from workplace accidents.”

Flynn said simply paying attention can help significantly reduce the risk of an accident occurring in a work zone.

“We just want people to pay attention and don’t text and drive,” Flynn said. “Just be patient when you see a work crew out working. Just move over when you see them on the side of the road and just be careful. We want them to be able to get back to their families as well.”

TDOT reports at least 20 people died in work zone crashes in 2018, including workers, drivers, and passengers.

Tickets and fines can also increase significantly in work zones.