JACKSON, MISS., Tuesday, April 8, 2008---As the busy construction season gets underway, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is calling on all motorists to be aware of and help reduce the hazards highway construction workers face every day.

The Ninth Annual National Work Zone Safety Awareness event will be observed beginning April 7-11, 2008. This year’s theme is “Slow for the Cone Zone.”

MDOT is joining with other national organizations such as the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), and other transportation entities to promote National Work Zone Safety.

As part of the observance of National Work Zone Safety Week, MDOT is hosting a work zone safety sign competition for 7^th and 8^th grade students. First and second place winners will be awarded for the signs that most effectively communicate the importance of work zone safety. Later this month MDOT will hold a press conference on work zone safety and will announce winners of the sign competition.

Over the last 10 years, the number of persons killed each year in the U.S. in motor vehicle crashes in work zones has increased 45 percent. Eighty-five percent of those killed in work zones are drivers or passengers in a vehicle.

MDOT offers the following tips to help motorists navigate safely through construction work zones.

·        Stay alert!  Dedicate your attention to the roadway.

·        Pay close attention! Signs and work zone flaggers save lives.

·        Turn on your headlights! Workers and other motorists must see you.

·        Don’t tailgate!

·        Don’t speed! Note the posted speed limit in and around the work zone.

·        Keep up with the traffic flow!

·        Don’t change lanes in the work zones!

·        Minimize distractions! Avoid changing radio stations and using mobile   phones while driving in the work zone.

·        Expect the unexpected! Keep an eye out for workers and their equipment.

·        Be patient! Remember crews working in the work zone are there working to improve the infrastructure.

MDOT encourage motorists to ALWAYS drive with extreme caution through construction work zones.  Remember, everyone is responsible for the safety of crews working in construction work zones. Slowing down and paying close attention when approaching a work zone will save lives—and that life may be yours.