This week kicks off the tenth anniversary of National Work Zone Awareness Week. This program draws attention to roadway hazards construction crews face from drivers that do not pay attention to safety warnings.
In 2007, 835 people died in work zone car crashes nationally and 10 people died in Maryland. The Maryland General Assembly is considering legislation authorizing the use of speed cameras because of the hazards in work zones.
"The arrival of spring kicks off the construction season, as well as an increase in the number of drivers on the road, which result in more traffic congestion and the potential for accidents in work zones," said Ragina Averella with AAA Mid-Atlantic. "With President Barack Obama's economic recovery package, which supports highway repair, 2009 could be an active highway repair season."
AAA offers tips to drivers going through work zones. AAA encourages drivers to slow down, pay attention, be patient and do not tailgate.
