State Promoting Work Zone Safety This Week

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constructionlight-2

Michigan is entering into construction season, and the department of transportation is reminding everyone to drive safely in construction zones. The agency’s John Richard tells Michigan News Network people need to consider the risks of not paying attention in work zones.

“We’re trying to create awareness, we’re trying to educate, and we’re trying to inspire because 17 lives were lost last year in Michigan work zones, and the numbers are even more staggering across the country,” Richard said. “Just in Michigan last year, we had almost 5,000 work zone crashes. That’s over 13 a day.”

Richard says 95% of those crashes were due to driver error. He says distracted driving and speeding are often causes. If you injure or kill a worker in a construction zone, you could face 15 years in prison and a $7,500 dollar fine.