Work Zone Fatalities have Soared: Slow Down

March 09, 2007
Jerry Mandli, Commissioner/Director, Dane County Department of Public Works, Highway and Transportation, (608)266-4039 Joanne Haas, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 669-5606

Wisconsin records more than 1,700 road work zone accidents each year – including 12 fatalities – prompting Dane County officials to remind drivers to slow down or face hefty fines when traveling through such restricted areas. The Federal Highway Administration has designated April 2–6 as “Work Zone Safety Awareness Week,” and the Dane County Board of Supervisors also has passed a resolution in support of the public education campaign. “Speed is a major factor in work zone accidents that involve a vehicle and a worker often protected with little more than a hard hat and a traffic sign,” Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk said. The Dane County Sheriff Department also will be monitoring traffic in work zones during this week. Drivers are reminded Wisconsin law mandates all motorists to slow down and move to the furthest lane on roads with two or more lanes when approaching any emergency vehicle, or highway maintenance vehicle with their emergency lights on. # # #