MEDIA ADVISORY

Mayor: Jennifer P. Dougherty

CONTACT: Nancy Gregg Poss, Public Information Officer, 301-360-3842

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, April 4, 2003

NATIONAL WORK ZONE AWARENESS WEEK

APRIL 6 – 12, 2003

Frederick, Md. ---- As temperatures climb and days grow longer, the City of Frederick is entering into a busy construction and maintenance period. The Department of Public Works often has up to 20 different crews on the streets at any one time. In coordination with National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 6 – 12, 2003, the City urges motorists to be alert and aware of work zones. Our City crews are trained to set up traffic control, i.e.; flags, cones, barriers and flaggers. The traffic control not only protects motorists from potential danger, but also City employees. According to the National Work Safety Clearinghouse website, in 2001 (the last year for which data is available) roadway work zone accidents resulted in 1,079 deaths and more than 37,000 injuries. In recent weeks, the City of Frederick has had two incidents involving violated control points, which resulted in damage to City vehicles and/or property.

The City joins the Federal Highway Administration in asking motorists to observe the orange signs along roads that indicate work zones as well as adhering to the following “Safety Tips to Live By”:

· Stay alert and give full attention to the roadway.

· Pay close attention to signs and work zone flaggers.

· Turn on headlights so workers and other drivers can see your vehicle.

· Do not tailgate.

· Do not speed. Slow down to the posted speed limits.

· Keep up with the traffic flow.

· Do not change lanes in work zones.

· Minimize distractions in vehicles. Avoid changing radio stations and using mobile phones.

· Expect the unexpected. Keep an eye on workers and their equipment.

· Be patient. Remember work zones are necessary to improve roads and make them safer.

The first National Work Zone Awareness Week was held in 2000. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the American Traffic Safety Services Association, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and the Federal Highway Administration accomplished the establishment of Work Zone Awareness Week. The MOU created a partnership among States, industry, and the Federal Government and the City is pleased to participate.

Additional information on National Work Zone Awareness Week can be found on http://wzdev.tamu.edu.

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