Highway construction season is officially underway here in West Virginia. State Transportation Secretary Paul Mattox stressed the need for safety on the roads during a news conference at the state Capitol Friday.
“We really need people to focus, slow down and pay attention to what they’re doing,” said Mattox.
This spring and summer the DOH has about $500 million worth of road construction planned. That means thousands of construction workers will be doing the dangerous job of working on the roads while traffic zooms by.
One of the DOH slogans they want drivers to remember is this: “Zero Fatalities: Saving One Life at a Time.”
Mattox says all too often distracted driving in construction zones leads to accidents.
“We had two fatalities occur in our work zones last year and that’s two too many. Our goal is zero,” Mattox said.
There will be plenty of signage on the roads to tell you when you’re coming up on a construction zone. Then there’s the orange cones and barrels to give you another reminder. But maybe the most effective tool is the State Troopers stationed at major construction zones with lights flashing.
If you are caught speeding or driving recklessly through a construction zone and you are pulled over by police, you’re looking at a fine that’s doubled.
Mattox says the best advice is to put down your cell phone, place both hands on the wheel, slow down and be aware of your surroundings when making your way through construction zones.