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Every year, there are hundreds of injuries and multiple deaths in Utah road work zones. This year, a new campaign hopes to reverse that trend.
The campaign was announced Wednesday on Capitol Hill. "We have men and women, fathers and mothers, grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters out there every day," said Dale Cox, with Operating Engineers Local 3.
In 2007, there were 870 injuries and nine deaths in Utah road work zones. The campaign hopes to reduce those numbers dramatically by simply reminding drivers to slow down, be alert, and follow signs and those directing traffic.
Sen. Karen Mayne, D-West Valley City, began looking at the safety issues a year ago. She hopes a team effort of state agencies, businesses and organizations will get the job done.
"[It shows] the need for safety on the road, and to make sure everybody is paying attention and we're all safe coming and going, and we're safe when we go to work and when we come home," Mayne said.
The general public will begin to notice the campaign in the next few weeks. There will be more work zone signs on the roads, billboard reminders and radio ads.
This campaign is not just to protect workers. Many of those injured in construction zone accidents were actually drivers passing through.
