The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) will kick off National Work Zone Awareness Week with a public event at 11 a.m. Monday, April 21, at Little Rock Air Force Base.
The national campaign, observed April 21–25 this year, promotes safe driving through highway work zones as construction season begins across the U.S.
In response to rising work zone-related crashes, the Arkansas Legislature recently passed three new laws aimed at increasing safety for roadway workers and drivers:
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Act 117 adds work zone safety information to driver’s education materials and license exams.
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Act 209 allows green lights on construction and maintenance vehicles to enhance visibility.
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Act 327 increases penalties for moving violations in mobile work zones and officially establishes the definition of mobile zones.
“This legislation is about improving safety for road workers and the traveling public,” said Jared D. Wiley, ARDOT director, in a statement. “When you encounter a work zone, slow down, stay alert and follow traffic laws. Road crews deserve to be protected.”
Transportation officials and law enforcement leaders praised the changes, saying they provide critical tools to reduce preventable crashes.
“We see far too many close calls and tragedies in work zones,” said Philip Taldo, Arkansas State Highway Commission chairman, in a statement. “These changes give us the tools to better protect everyone on the road.”
National Work Zone Awareness Week is a joint effort by the American Traffic Safety Services Association, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and the Federal Highway Administration.
Source: Arkansas Department of Transportation, Magnoliabannernews.com
