Considering an average of 15 deaths per year, the state DOT wants you to slow down and be alert in work zones.
Over the last ten years, 121 people have been killed in work zone crashes, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation .
"Over the last several years we've been averaging about 1800 crashes in work zones that have injured about 900 people and killed 15, so it's still a dangerous place and we really need people to perk up their attention when they're approaching and driving through work zones."
Michael Geotzman says as a result of the federal stimulus package, there will be more construction projects in Wisconsin than ever before. Many workers will be protected by nothing more than an orange barrel and a reflective vest.
Even if you don't see construction workers, you must slow down in work zones.
"Well if a work zone is posted for a specific speed limit that's the speed limit you should be abiding by regardless of whether or not there is any work going on because you don't really know what's going to be happening inside that work zone. There could be lane shifts, narrow lanes for example, the pavement could be uneven."
If you're convicted of a violation in a work zone, the fine is doubled. And, you could accumulate demerit points on your driver's license. Geotzman reminds us, violations include more than just speeding; you could be cited for following too closely or rear-ending somebody – the most common type of crash in a work zone.
NOTE: April 6-10 has been proclaimed by Governor Jim Doyle as Work Zone Awareness Week in Wisconsin, coinciding with National Work Zone Awareness Week, an effort to draw attention to the dangers that face workers and motorists every day in construction zones.
AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:24 MP3)
