ORLANDO, Fla. – This week I-4 and the Department of Transportation combined forces to bring awareness of a national safety campaign right here to Florida. Traffic anchor Amy Biondello spoke with FDOT about National Work Zone Safety week and what we can do every day to keep our roads safe for all of us.
We talk a lot about safety on the roads here in Central Florida. And this week a national campaign aims to bring extra attention to that very issue.
"This is a nationwide campaign that is to create awareness of safety in the work zone," Florida Department of Transportation Public Information Officer Jessica Ottaviano said.
National Work Zone Safety Week has a simple but direct message, be aware and be safe.
"And this includes maybe not messing with the radio, putting in your GPS before you leave and putting your phone down and just really staying alert," Ottaviano said.
Work zone safety is particularly important here, where on of the biggest construction projects in state history is in full swing.
"Right here in Central Florida we have the largest transportation project that's ever been done the I-4 Ultimate," Ottaviano said.
That means hundreds, if not more workers out on the roads every day with little to no protection from moving vehicles.
"In certain conditions, some workers may have a concrete barrier wall that offers some type of protection but in some cases, it's just cones," Ottaviano said.
Limiting distractions and focusing on the road ahead is always a good idea, especially in work zones where conditions can change by the day. Overall safety is a collaborative effort.
"So it's primarily targeted towards drivers, but there is a shared responsibility among drivers, passengers, and workers to ensure that everyone can get home safe to their families," Ottaviano said.
One of the biggest factors in work zone crashes time after time is excessive speed. And here's a number for you, according to FDOT in 99 percent of work zone.