Don’t Be That Driver

This is National Work Zone Awareness Week.

What is that, you ask? Well, it’s a week set aside every year to bring attention to the importance of driving safely through highway work zones.

Why does that matter? It matters, because work zones are offices for some people. That’s right, often times they work just a few feet away from moving traffic!

That’s why it’s so important to slow down and pay attention whenever you drive through a work zone. The people who work in them want to get home to see their families, and their families want them to get home safely.

So, please, “Don’t Be That Driver”…take your foot off the gas, put your phone away and focus on the road. Thank you for doing your part to help keep work zones safe!

Have a great day.

National Work Zone Awareness Week

Part of my job is to let people know the importance of paying attention and being cautious when driving through highway work zones. This morning, I’d like to take a few moments to let you know this is National Work Zone Awareness Week.

This post is just a quick reminder to put down your cell phone and reduce your speed when driving through a work zone. People are working just a few feet away from where you’re driving, so please respect their lives by giving the road your full attention and slowing down.

At the same time, these reminders are put out there to help you, the driver. Most of the fatalities that occur in work zones are drivers or passengers in vehicles. The speed limit signs and the distracted driving laws are there for your safety, too. Here’s an interview I did, talking about this part of the safety equation: http://www.cinewsnow.com/news/local/IDOT-clearing-up-misconceptions-in-work-zone-safety-149310275.html

Thank you very much for helping to keep the roads safe for everyone!

RIP Ryan Nichols

From the Illinois Department of Transportation:

It is with great sadness that we advise you of the untimely passing of our colleague and friend, Ryan Nichols, an employee in the IDOT Region 1 Bureau of Construction.

On Monday, August 22nd, Ryan was struck by a private vehicle while performing his duties at the job site on US Route 14 at Illinois Route 47 and Dean Street in Woodstock. He died as a result of the injuries he sustained.

Ryan was 34 years old and is survived by his wife and three sons. Please keep Ryan’s family in your thoughts during this very difficult time.

Hug your kids and kiss your loved ones, everyone. Life is very short and very precious and it can be taken away at a moment’s notice.

Rest in peace, Ryan.

2011 National Work Zone Awareness Week

Please slow down, eliminate all distractions, and use extreme caution while driving through work zones.

From today’s IDOT news release:

 ‘The 2011 construction season marks the second year distracted driving laws went into effect in Illinois. The distracted driving law prohibits the use of hand-held wireless telephones for all drivers, regardless of age, while operating a vehicle in a school or construction zone. In addition, the use of electronic communications devices or any other electronic device, to text, e-mail, compose, read or send electronic messages or access internet sites while driving a motor vehicle at any time is prohibited.’