Transportation Cabinet
RESPECT LIFE/ RESPECT THE ZONE - KENTUCKY TRANSPORTATION CABINET URGES MOTORISTS TO SLOW DOWN IN WORK ZONES

FRANKFORT, KY (November 4, 2005) –  Joining law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials today renewed their call for motorists to Slow Down and Obey Traffic Laws when they approach work zones. Driving with caution in a work zone could mean the difference between life and death for both motorists and workers.

 “Work zone safety is everyone’s responsibility,” said Acting Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bill Nighbert. “If you’re in a work zone, it’s important to focus all of your attention on driving. Changing the radio station, talking on the cell phone, or removing the wrapper from a candy bar should all take a backseat to your focus on safe driving. Slowing down to the posted speed limit will only cost you a few more minutes. Ignoring the speed limit could cost you almost $250.00, or it could cost a worker’s life.”

           Kentucky State Police Commissioner Mark L. Miller stressed the importance of observing speed limits in work zones. “Far too often, Kentuckians are injured or killed in work zone-related crashes and speed is frequently cited as a contributing factor. The Kentucky State Police will continue to vigorously enforce traffic rules in work zone areas. In particular, we will take a zero tolerance approach with speeders.”  

Kentucky law requires double fines in work zones. “Think about it. Workers are in these work zones, in the first place, to make our roads safer for everyone. We owe it to them and their families to make sure their lives are not at risk because of irresponsible drivers,” said Deputy Transportation Secretary Jim Adams. 

 Each year hundreds of accidents occur in work zones in Kentucky. “Officers from Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement are very concerned about the issue of highway safety and will continue to work with the Transportation Cabinet to provide strict enforcement in work zone areas,” said Greg Howard, Commissioner of Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement. “It’s our firm belief that strict traffic enforcement saves lives.” 

A number of construction and repair projects are underway now in all regions of the Commonwealth. Meanwhile, the number of vehicles on our roads continues to grow. “Our commitment to Kentuckians is to provide a consistently safe and reliable transportation system,” said Commissioner of Highways, Marc Williams. “In order to fulfill that commitment, we will be involved in many more road improvement projects. That means more work zones, and that means an increased emphasis on work zone safety by the Transportation Cabinet.” 

The Cabinet asks that everyone remember these 10 Tips for Driving Safely in Work Zones: 

1. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED!
2. SLOW DOWN!
3. DON’T TAILGATE!
4. KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE BETWEEN YOUR VEHICLE AND THE CONSTRUCTION WORKERS AND THEIR EQUIPMENT!
5. PAY ATTENTION TO THE SIGNS!
6. OBEY ROAD CREW FLAGGERS!
7. STAY ALERT AND MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS!
8. KEEP UP WITH THE TRAFFIC FLOW!
9. THINK AHAEAD. ALLOW ENOUGH TIME TO DRIVE SAFELY. CALL 511 OR VISIT WWW.511.KY.GOV FOR KENTUCKY TRAFFIC AND TRAVEL INFORMATION.
10. BE PATIENT AND STAY CALM.

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