MDOT - MDOT releases 2012 crash statistics for work zones

MDOT releases 2012 crash statistics for work zones

Contact: Bob Felt, MDOT Office of Communications,
feltb@michigan.gov
989-619-7963

Agency: Transportation

Fast Facts:
- April 15-19 is National Work Zone Awareness Week across the United States.
-An AASHTO video PSA was released on YouTube to emphasize the importance of work zone safety.
- Compared to 2011, crashes are down 2 percent, injuries are down 12 percent, fatalities are down 17 percent in 2012.

April 17, 2013 -- At a joint news conference earlier today with other state agencies, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) released the 2012 work zone crash statistics for Michigan. Last year, there were 4,530 crashes, 1,149 injuries, and 15 fatalities in Michigan work zones - down from 2011's numbers: 4,633 crashes, 1,312 injuries, and 18 fatalities.

"Crashes were down across the board for 2012 but too many people are still at risk of serious injury and death," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "The majority of the responsibility to create a safe environment is on the driver more than anyone. Eliminating distractions save lives and will help us get closer to Michigan's goal of zero deaths."

April 15-19 is National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), designed to raise awareness and further improve roadway safety for all workers, drivers and their passengers. This year's NWZAW national campaign theme is: "Roadway Work Zone Safety - We're All in This Together."

A public service announcement produced by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has been released to remind the public about the importance of work zone safety. The video can be found on the AASHTO YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R_OAf5yVRM.

Roadway Work Zone Safety - We're All in This Together.