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| Michigan's Give 'em a Brake Campaign to kick off during National Work Zone Awareness Week April 7-11
Contact:
Bob Felt 989-619-7963
Agency:
Transportation
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April 7, 2008 -- Michigan's Give 'em a Brake Safety Coalition today announced that its 2008 awareness campaign will begin during National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 7-11. The education campaign will bring increased state and national attention to protect workers and motorists in road construction work zones. The 2008 campaign also will continue its work zone safety messages via radio public service announcements across Michigan.
"Unfortunately, the statistics suggest that there were slightly more crashes in work zones in 2007 than 2006," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "While this week is important for raising awareness, motorists must continue to remember that paying closer attention and driving the appropriate speed in work zones all season long can save lives."
Michigan's Give 'em a Brake Safety Coalition, representing union road workers, law enforcement, road builders, utility workers, and transportation interests, is promoting the "Where Workers Present 45" safety campaign. Motorists will see "Where Workers Present 45" road signs in many work zones on Michigan trunklines and interstate U.S. highway routes. These signs provide a more consistent speed limit, in all applicable work zones, which contributes to the reduction of certain types of crashes and ultimately reduces the exposure of workers (and motorists) to these crashes.
In 2007, there were 5,499 crashes, 1,420 injuries, and 20 fatalities (which includes one road worker) in Michigan work zones. In 2006, there were 5,216 crashes, 1,450 injuries, and 18 fatalities (one road worker).
Michigan's Give 'em a Brake Safety Coalition members include: Michigan Department of Transportation; Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association; Michigan Laborers' District Council; Michigan State Building & Construction Trades Council; International Union of Operating Engineers Local 324; and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights. Other advisory members include: Michigan State Police; Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning; Michigan Center for Truck Safety, and the Traffic Improvement Association.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: In 2007, 95 percent of the fatalities in Michigan work zones involved the driver and/or passengers. Currently, a motorist who injures or kills a road worker faces up to 15 years in jail and $7,500 in fines. Pending work-zone legislation, once passed, would extend the penalties for injuring or killing ANYONE in a work zone.
Protect Michigan families: Where Workers Present Drive 45! - A message from MDOT and Michigan's Give 'em a Brake Safety Coalition
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