NMDOT News:SANTA FE ― The New Mexico Department of Transportation is reminding motorists to drive safely in work zones in coordination with National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 9-13.
This also serves as a reminder that road projects across the state will start ramping up as the weather warms up.
“Our Department knows first-hand how devastating work zone crashes can be,” NMDOT Secretary Tom Church said. “We always want to encourage safe driving – especially in work zones – because it can save lives.”
In 2016, two NMDOT employees, David Eggert and Anthony Rivera, were tragically killed in a work zone crash.
From 2011 through 2016, there were 23 fatal crashes reported in work zones in New Mexico and a total of 3,149 crashes reported in work zones. According to the Federal Highway Administration, in 2016 there were a total of 765 work zone fatalities nationally.
When driving through a work zone remember:
- Reduce speed.
- Put down the cell phone.
- Seek an alternate route or leave early if there will be construction.
- Look for workers, construction equipment, bicyclists, pedestrians, and other motorists.
- Be patient.
For more information on National Work Zone Awareness Week please visit the FHWA website here. Also, there is a national effort to wear orange on Wednesday, April 11 to support work zone safety. Please check NMDOT’s road advisory website, http://nmroads.com/, for updates to road projects and closures.
