Work Zone Safety Awareness Week: CT DOT shares roadway tips and safety measures
There have been over 2,500 crashes and 10 deaths reported in Connecticut work zones over the past two years.
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation is raising awareness about driving safely through work zones in an effort to save lives, following an incident where a worker was hit by a car.
"I noticed a car not moving over or slowing down. I pinned myself to the side of the car in the hopes the car would miss me,” said Jeffery Spencer, a Connecticut Department of Transportation worker.
Spencer was hit by the driver and rushed to the hospital. He said recovery was not easy.
"After the hospital, I was transferred to a rehab facility where I had to learn how to walk again, dress myself, along with a myriad of other tasks,” said Spencer.
The CT DOT is reminding drivers to ‘Obey the Orange’ and slow down for work zones.
"No one should have to sacrifice their life or their health to go to work,” said Garrett Eucalitto, the commissioner of the CT DOT.
In Connecticut, statistics show that between 2020 to 2022 there were 2,566 crashes and 10 deaths in work zones.
"Work zones are temporary but actions behind the wheel can have permanent consequences,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal. “When you see those flashing flights, when you see these guys in yellow, when you see the trucks and equipment."
Along with reducing your speed, officials recommend keeping a safe distance from other vehicles, keeping your eyes on the road and being aware of your surroundings at all times.
It’s also helpful to know what work zone signs mean – they are there to guide you through.
"My life and the life of my colleagues depend on it,” said Spencer.
Another effort from the state is a work zone speed safety camera pilot program – implemented in 2023. It led to more than 20,000 drivers receiving warnings for speeding in work zones.
"We heard from our crews as well as contractors working on the side of the road that they felt safer in the work zones when those speed cameras were deployed,” said Eucalitto.
That's why they're now asking for the state Legislature to make the program a permanent fixture in the state.
For more tips, check out the News 12 safety work zone guide.
MORE: Guide: Stay safe while traveling through work zones with these 6 tips
