Friday, April 9, 2004

DOT says to slow down in work zones

State Sen. Mitch Seabaugh's (R-Sharpsburg) resolution to reThe Georgia Department of Transportation is asking motorists to slow down and use caution while traveling through all work zones, regardless of whether crews are on site.

The message comes as Georgia recognizes National Work Zone Safety Week.

Most recently, DOT employee Priscilla Donald, 33, was killed in an accident while performing her routine maintenance duties on I-20 in Atlanta. The single mother of four became the 54th Georgia DOT employee killed in a work zone accident since 1973.

Nationally, 118 people were killed in work zone accidents in 2002, up almost 50 percent from the previous year, according to the National Work Zone Safety Administration.

“Our work zone safety efforts combine strong internal safety education for our employees, emphasis on safety practices by our contractors and on-going public education efforts, said DOT Commissioner Harold Linnenkohl. “Although each accident varies, it’s always the same cause — motorists aren’t paying proper attention to roadway signage, conditions, equipment and work crews.”

A memorial was held Tuesday to honor the 54 Georgia DOT employees who have been killed in work zone accidents.