April 24-30, 2021: Work Zone Awareness Week

WHEREAS, according to the Office of Highway Safety Planning, there were 5,808 work zone crashes, 17 work zone fatalities, and 1,465 work zone injuries in 2019, with the highest number of work zone crashes occurring when lanes were closed; and,

 

WHEREAS, the State of Michigan recognizes that road construction and maintenance is vital for a safe, well-maintained road system for all Michigan families and businesses; and,

 

WHEREAS, we must protect construction, maintenance, and utility workers who courageously put their lives on the line to improve the safety and quality of life of those traveling Michigan's roads; and,
 

WHEREAS, most often, drivers or their passengers are killed or injured when they get into work zone crashes; and,

 

WHEREAS, most work zone crashes are caused by inattentive or distracted drivers, and speeding is the leading cause of fatal work zone crashes; and,

 

WHEREAS, the Michigan Work Zone Safety Task Force, launched in October 2018, is a collaborative effort between the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Michigan's heavy/highway construction industry to reduce and eliminate work zone injuries and deaths for construction workers and motorists; and,

 

WHEREAS, MDOT and the Michigan Work Zone Safety Task Force are dedicated to advancing culture and practices to put SAFETY FIRST in Michigan's work zones; and,

 

WHEREAS, Work Zone Awareness Week in Michigan is an opportunity for Michigan to raise drivers' awareness of the need to slow down, stay alert, avoid distractions, and obey signs while driving through work zones; 

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 24-30, 2021, as Work Zone Awareness Week in Michigan.