Wisconsin Department of Transportation Urging Safe Driving in Work Zones

SUPERIOR, Wis. — With nearly 100 road projects scheduled across Northern Wisconsin this summer drivers are urged to reduce speeds and pay attention to ensure safe driving through work zones.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation joined Douglas County to hold a press conference, urging safe driving in road construction zones.

Last year more than 2,00 crashes were recorded in Wisconsin work zones, resulting in the deaths of 10 people, including two construction workers.

The department says speeding, tailgating and distracted driving are the leading causes of work zone crashes.

To protect drivers and workers, motorists are encouraged to drive slow, stay alert, leave space and put phones down.

“People are our workforce. People are what build industry, and without those people and their families, we won’t be able to do what we do to make sure your your roads are safe. So if I can ask you to do one thing, take your extra 50 seconds. Slow down through those work saying work zones, and be mindful that everyone out there has a family and they want to go home at the end of the day,” Mike Hahn, Lunda Construction Co. Vice President said.

A county maintenance worker recounted the time two years ago when they were hit by a semi truck while behind the wheel of a dump truck.

“I actually watched the semi come for about a quarter of a mile at least. Never moved, never stopped, until the semi hit the truck, believe it or not, I just sat there, watched it. Held on, because, you know, you’re always sitting in that truck and you’re thinking about, what am I going to do if that happens Well, it happened,” Rhawnie Brittion with Douglas County Highway Maintenance said.

The press conference continues WisDOTs campaign to increase work zone safety across the state of Wisconsin.