TxDOT Kicks Off National Work Zone Awareness Week

The Texas Department of Transportation held a news conference Wednesday to kick off the 2014 National Work Zone Awareness Week. It will be held from April 7 to April 11.

TxDOT officials wanted to remind drivers that in the almost 80,000 miles of roads they maintain, there are as many as 2,500 active work zones on those roads. They want to make sure everyone stays safe in those areas.

"Drivers may not have control over the conditions around them in the work zone, but they have the power and the responsibility to slow down and pay attention, which would prevent many crashes," said Brian Barth TxDOT'S Fort Worth District Engineer.

TxDOT said in 2013 that more than 17,000 crashed happened in Texas roadway construction and work zones, and that 115 people died in those crashed.

They want the drivers to remember to slow down and to pay attention while going through work zones.

The most common issues are drivers who are on their cell phones and those who speed.

Department of Public Safety Sgt. Lonny Haschel said fines for speeding can double in work zones. This means you could be paying more than $500 if stopped.

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