It’s spring, and construction projects are in full bloom across the country. During the first week in April, Kentucky is focusing on reducing hazards for those who build and repair roads.
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The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has named April 3–7 “Glow Orange, Kentucky” week, an effort to increase work zone safety awareness. The state invites businesses and individuals to pledge to illuminate buildings, landmarks, bridges, and structures with the color orange to show support for work zone safety. Organizations that take the pledge will be featured on a map highlighting statewide participation in the initiative.
KYTC secretary Greg Thomas says that, across the state, crews in work zones risk their lives daily to maintain roads. “No one should have to go to work worrying whether or not they will safely return home.” He says the purpose of the “Glow” campaign is to remind drivers to slow down, avoid distraction, and exercise caution to keep workers and other motorists safe.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, one person dies on average every 13 hours, and someone is injured every 13 minutes in a work zone in the United States. Kentucky says many of its drivers encounter at least one work zone during their daily travels. A momentary distraction can result in a permanent injury or loss of life.
Learn more at http://transportation.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx.