PennDOT pushes safety in work zones
While some motorists may see work zones as orange barrels and increased traffic, they're much more than that.
Behind those traffic control devices and machinery are people — husbands, wives, sons, daughters and parents — according to Deborah Casadei, PennDOT public information officer.
“We want to make sure these workers get home safely to the ones that love them,” she said.
In an effort to remind the traveling public of their responsibility when driving in work zones, PennDOT officials Tuesday brought together representatives from various stages of road projects, as well as the Pennsylvania State Police, to ask motorists to slow down and pay attention.
Casadei said last year Pennsylvania saw 1,800 crashes in work zones resulting in 1,100 injuries and 19 deaths. While that number is declining, it still leaves something to be desired.
“We want to get to zero,” she said.
To do that, PennDOT officials say drivers should obey the speed limit, pay attention to flaggers, turn on headlights, maintain a safe distance from surrounding vehicles and avoid distractions. This includes texting while driving, an infraction that has only gotten more prevalent in recent years.
“One second you're looking down at your phone, four seconds go by — that's an entire football field that you could have just driven through,” Casadei said.
Capt. Steve Ignatz, commanding officer for state police Troop D in Butler, said drivers who don't follow work zone rules face doubled fines and significant ramifications to their driving privileges.
He said the troop works with PennDOT to put officers in work zones and utility vehicles to monitor for infractions and to keep speeds down. He added when drivers see a state police vehicle, they should automatically slow down and anticipate a work zone or traffic backup.
“Drive cautiously,” he said. “It is imperative for the safety of the workers and other motorists.”
Carl Ray, PennDOT project manager, said while weather has delayed the start of many projects, crews are ready to begin as soon as conditions improve, meaning work zones will pop up before motorists know it.
“As weather starts to warm up and if spring finally breaks, then we can get started,” he said.
Casadei said drivers should be ready and do their part to keep workers safe.
“When you approach a work zone, the first sign that you see should say to you 'something is going on ahead I need to be alert, I need to pay attention, I need to put down my phone, not answer the phone ... I just need to pay attention to what is going on ahead',” she said.
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has the following projects planned in Butler County:Interstate 79 middle and north sections resurfacing in Lawrence, Jackson, Lancaster, Muddy Creek and Worth townships; nearly $26 millionRoute 422 Moraine State Park access project in Muddy Creek and Worth townships; $4.3 millionRoute 228 Cox’s Corner roundabout project in Clinton Township; nearly $6 millionRoute 228 Pittsburgh Street intersection improvements in Adams Township; nearly $8 millionMars-Evans City Road group bridges project in Forward Township; $2.6 millionBoyers Road group bridges project in Marion and Mercer townships; $4.4 millionRoute 19 Harmony north resurfacing project in Lancaster and Muddy Creek townships; $3.4 million
