Work Zone Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility

“Work zone safety is a shared responsibility, whether behind the wheel or working on the side of the road,” said Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley. He added, “We engineer our roads to be as safe as possible, but no amount of engineering can change driver behavior. 113 TDOT workers have been killed in work zones. Let’s work together to ensure everyone makes it home safely.”

As spring and summer kick off peak construction season, Tennessee’s highways will see crews performing major projects like interstate expansions, roadway repaving, and even essential tasks like litter collection. These work zones are necessary to maintain and improve roadways but come with increased risks for workers and drivers alike.

Last year, Tennessee reported 16 fatalities in work zone crashes. As of this year, there have already been 35 incidents where vehicles crashed into TDOT equipment, including HELP Trucks that assist stranded motorists.

TDOT’s Work Zone Safety Campaign

To combat these alarming statistics, TDOT has been running the “Work with Us—Move Over, Slow Down” safety campaign since 2017. This initiative reminds drivers across Tennessee about the importance of year-round vigilance in work zones. It encourages motorists to take the “Work with Us” pledge to commit to safer driving behavior.

Key messages will be shared on TDOT’s overhead Dynamic Message Signs, which are visible in major cities, including Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville. Orange lighting will also illuminate prominent buildings and bridges throughout the state to symbolize the campaign. Additionally, “Work with Us” signs will be stationed near construction areas to further emphasize driver safety.

The Human Impact of Work Zone Incidents

Work zone safety is more than just numbers. Crashes can leave a lasting impact on families, workers, and communities. TDOT reports that 2024 there were 2,318 total crashes in work zones, including 563 that resulted in injuries. These sobering statistics highlight the urgent need for drivers to prioritize safety.

Unfortunately, risks aren’t limited to primary work zones. TDOT’s secondary work zones, where HELP Trucks and other first responders provide assistance, also face significant dangers. These vehicles are often struck while helping motorists, putting workers in harm’s way.

How You Can Help

TDOT urges drivers to take specific actions to protect both themselves and workers:

• Check traffic conditions before leaving: Use TDOT SmartWay to plan your route and avoid unnecessary delays.
• Put your phone away: Secure your device in a hands-free system to eliminate distractions.
• Follow Move Over laws: Slow down and change lanes when you see flashing lights or vehicles in work zones.

Join the Effort to Save Lives

With thousands of crashes and dozens of injuries each year, small actions like reducing speed and staying alert can make a significant difference. The Tennessee Department of Transportation is asking every driver to do their part to help ensure “We All Get Home.”

Source: The Trucker
Image Source: MSN

The post Tennessee DOT Highlights Importance of Work Zone Safety appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Ben Schill, the CEO of Paper Transport, noted, “For the past 15 years, Paper Transport has been a leader in providing sustainable transportation solutions. We have pushed the envelope to test and implement solutions that help reduce the carbon footprint of our shippers. We lean on acting and learning from real-world experience versus pontificating about what can or cannot work. We embrace the spirit of SmartWay in terms of embracing real-world testing and finding sustainable solutions that can work in a practical environment.” This statement encapsulates the essence of Paper Transport’s mission to embrace real-world testing and find sustainable solutions.

As an active member of the SmartWay Transport Partnership, Paper Transport actively participates in initiatives fostering environmental stewardship and corporate responsibility. The company has committed to supporting the partnership’s impressive achievements, which include the conservation of 379 million barrels of oil, a reduction in fuel costs by $52 billion, and a substantial decrease in emissions totaling 162 million metric tons of CO2, 2.8 million short tons of NOx, and 114,000 short tons of PM. Such environmental advancements are equivalent to the energy consumption of 24 million homes each year.

In addition to its ideological commitments, Paper Transport has successfully submitted up-to-date operational data to the SmartWay Transport Partnership and has received commendation for these submissions. By focusing on transparency and measurable results, Paper Transport fortifies its dedication to a greener, more sustainable future.

Source: The Trucker

Photo: Paper Transport

The post Paper Transport Recognized as a 2024 SmartWay High Performer appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.