HARRISBURG, Pa. — As National Work Zone Awareness Week begins, state officials hope drivers can slow the uptick in work zone accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
New information released Monday showed in 2023 PennDOT reported 1,216 work zone crashes, resulting in 22 fatalities.
“It makes me think about wanting to get home to my family, so I’m constantly keeping a surrounding of myself and making sure my coworkers are safe,” said Zac Seidel, an equipment operator with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.
Seidel has been a construction equipment operator for eight years and said in his experience that he’s often looking over his shoulder and those of his crew to make sure they are all safe. Seidel said he can only do so much, and it all comes down to the driver behind the wheel.
“Just imagine if you were out there and working on the road and how you would want others to be driving around you,” said Seidel.
PennDOT, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commissioners, Pennsylvania State Troopers and several organizations spoke at Soldier’s Grove, where a display of crosses with construction vests and hard hats sat on the lawn. Every vest represented a construction worker's life lost on the job.
“Drivers need to pay attention to the moms, dads, sons and daughters working in these construction projects,” said Mike Caroll, Secretary of Transportation at PennDOT.
Carroll said since 1970, PennDOT has lost 90 workers in the line of duty. The PA Turnpike has lost 45 workers since 1940. Data also shows that the cause of most work zone accidents is speeding and distracted driving.
“Speeding through work zones has been a problem for decades,” said Craig Shuey, PA Turnpike Chief Operating Officer. He added, “However, speeding and distracted driving became even more acute during the pandemic.”
National Work Zone Awareness Week continues through April 19 and will caution drivers on roadways to “Slow down, Save a Life,” with signage posted on busy highways and construction zones.
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