The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) will participate in National Work Zone Awareness Week April 3rd – 9th, 2005 by following along with the national theme, “Slow Down or Pay Up.”  Heightened work zone speed enforcement is planned nationwide during the week to help increase public awareness about work zone safety from both the motorist’s and highway worker’s perspective.  Arkansas will be no exception, with enhanced work zone patrols and enforcement across the state. 

National Work Zone Awareness Week is a national campaign that helps increase public awareness of work zone safety.  On U.S. roadways, nearly 900 motorists, passengers, pedestrians and construction workers lose their lives in work zones each year.  National organizations promoting the week include the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA).  These sponsors encourage local community activities to help educate the nation on work zone related injuries and fatalities as well as the dangers that can be avoided when driving safely through roadway construction zones.

According to reports by the FHWA and state transportation departments, having a police presence - and informing motorists of this enforcement activity in advance - is one of the most effective methods of getting drivers to slow down as they enter work zones.   “We plan to increase enforcement during Work Zone Awareness Week, April 3^rd through 9^th, since it is such an effective method of changing the behavior of people who speed in work zones,” said Arkansas Highway Police (AHP) Chief Ron Burks.  “Officers have been instructed to issue tickets to motorists who violate any roadway laws in a work zone, even if it’s their first offense.”  AHP officers will be enforcing a zero tolerance policy for all moving violations in any Arkansas work zone.  Fines are doubled in work zones when workers are present and typically, minimum fines for first-time offenses can be $100 or more, depending on the offense.

         As the warmer spring weather makes it possible for the roadway construction season to become fully active, it is highly likely that motorists will encounter work zones, lane closures and roadway workers at some time along their travels across Arkansas .  Even though the Interstate Rehabilitation Program is nearly complete, motorists are asked to remain alert and pay attention to roadway signs as soon as they become aware of upcoming work zones on any Arkansas roadway.   “If every motorist will give driving their full attention, slow down and take extra care in construction areas, the number of accidents and fatalities can be reduced,” said Dan Flowers, Director of Highways and Transportation.

             To educate motorists about work zone safety issues, a video called “Driving in Orange ” is available through a partnership between the AHTD and The Mack Blackwell Rural Transportation Center (MBTC) at the University of Arkansas .  This 13-minute video provides helpful safety tips and emphasizes safe driving practices in work zones for motorists of all skill levels.  Educators and citizens are encouraged to request a copy of this video on VHS or DVD by calling the MBTC at (479) 575-6026 or sending an email to wchesser@uark.edu. 

             Motorists are also encouraged to check the AHTD website at www.ArkansasHighways.com before they travel by clicking their mouse on the “ROADS” button for a list of current and upcoming lane closures.  This resource is updated continuously from AHTD field offices and is the best way to stay informed about work zone locations and possible delays due to construction-related lane closures.  The AHTD Public Affairs Office is also available to assist motorists with construction information Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. by calling (501) 569-2227 or sending an email to info@ArkansasHighways.com.    

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