As Work Zone Safety Awareness Week Begins, FDOT Asks, ‘What Drives You?’

During National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week from April 3-7, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) wants to steer discussions about safety toward a simple question all motorists should ask.
That question is “What Drives You?”
The answer may remind those behind the wheel to drive more safely and to examine whether they have been doing enough to stay alert and keep within posted speed limits while passing through a construction work zone.
“Think about what drives you every day – your family, career, life experiences,” said Steve Martin P.E., FDOT District Five Secretary. “We need drivers to do everything they can to stay safe on our roads so they can enjoy the things that matter to them.”
FDOT is investing $175.6 million in various safety initiatives during the 2017-18 fiscal year. Moreover, it’s not just about protecting highway workers. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports that 99 percent of work zone crashes injure drivers and their passengers without involving road crews.
Drivers can reduce their chances of being involved in a work zone crash by maintaining proper speed, avoiding tailgating, paying attention, and minimizing distractions. “Everyone on the road shares a responsibility – workers, drivers and passengers – to ensure everyone can go home safely at the end of the day,” Martin said.
FDOT is participating in several safety awareness events this week to highlight work zone safety in Central Florida. The schedule includes:
Monday, April 3 – A media event in Maitland in the I-4 Ultimate construction zone next to live traffic will highlight the ongoing importance of work zone safety. Those participating include FDOT District Five Secretary Steve Martin, FDOT Public Information Manager Steve Olson and FHP Trooper Steven Montiero. Also taking part will be SGL Constructors, including Maintenance of Traffic Manager David Feise and Area Construction Manager Jack Leider, both with the I-4 Ultimate Project.
Tuesday, April 4 – Media is invited to attend a short presentation and activity given to children at Volusia Pines Elementary School in Volusia County. Kids will learn how important safety is in the work zone and tell us what drives them. This activity shows that even children, passengers on the road, are motivated by special things in their lives.
Wednesday, April 5 – National Go Orange for Safety Day. Everyone is encouraged to wear orange colors to show their commitment to staying safe on the roadways. Share photos and stories with the hashtag #WhatDrivesYou and #OrangeForSafety. In honor of the occasion, several Central Florida landmarks will be lit up at night in orange lights. Among the familiar sights expected to go orange for the evening are the Lake Eola fountain, the Amway Center spire, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, the Lynx Central Station building, and Aloft Orlando Downtown.
Thursday, April 6 – Seminole County Sheriff’s Office will perform an enforcement operation in the work zone of the FDOT project on US 17/92 from Shepard Road to Lake Mary Boulevard. Other work zone enforcement operations will be happening around the Central Florida region.
Media alerts will be sent out the day before each event that will highlight what, when and where each event will be. Media is invited to participate in all scheduled events.
FDOT manages nearly 44,000 lane miles of roadway in the Sunshine State, including 8,378 in Central Florida. FDOT’s current five-year work program includes more than 6,800 construction and maintenance projects statewide.