Kentucky drivers urged to use caution as we head into road work season

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT) – There are at the moment greater than 1,500 street tasks within the state’s freeway plan which can be both underway or about to be underway.

Governor Andy Beshear declared this week Work Zone Security Week, a time to induce drivers to pay additional consideration once they see laborious hats, cones and vests.

With that in thoughts, the Kentucky Transportation Cupboard held an occasion Wednesday to boost consciousness in regards to the significance of security when driving by way of work zones.

“Employees rely upon secure drivers to make it dwelling each night time,” mentioned Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Grey. “I’m sporting a vest as we speak to show two issues. First, this isn’t armor. Second, all of us have a vested curiosity in work zone security.”

Grey says within the first quarter of 2023 KYTC awarded 194 new building tasks.

“That’s on prime of the a whole lot of different tasks already underway or about to start out,” mentioned Grey.

Grey says the transportation cupboard is at all times working towards safer roads and work zones. Some methods, he says, embody common security coaching for workers and using particular gear like moveable rumble strips and new orange barrels within the work zones.

Nonetheless, the work crews additionally depend on you to do the suitable factor.

In 2022, there have been greater than 1,000 automobile crashes in work zones throughout the state. Six of these resulted in fatalities.

So, what ought to drivers do? The principle message is decelerate, be affected person, and be alert.

Tyler Bullington recounted the second a driver carelessly drove by way of his work zone and struck him within the again.

“The subsequent factor I knew, I heard the car coming from behind me. Earlier than i may ever transfer out of the way in which, he had performed struck me,” mentioned Bullington.

Bullington says he spent numerous hours in restoration, however he’s grateful to be alive.

“We ask for individuals to decelerate, put the cellphone down, take note of what’s in entrance of you and you might save a life,” mentioned Bullington.

Kentucky State Police Captain Paul Blanton says they too are stepping as much as preserve work crews and motorists secure.

“You will notice an elevated presence of KSP and native legislation enforcement in and round work zones throughout Kentucky,” Blanton mentioned.

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