Work zone crashes drop 9 percent in Michigan
Statewide highway work zone crashes in the 2008 construction season dropped 9 percent from the year before, according to data released May 14 by the Michigan Department of Transportation.

There were 4,977 crashes, 1,378 injuries, and 13 fatalities in 2008, down from 5,499 crashes, 1,420 injuries, and 20 fatalities in 2007.

“While these numbers indicate a decrease, we must continue to be vigilant and help motorists understand that the life they save could be their own,” said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. “All of the fatalities in work zones last year involved motorists and passengers. We hope the new legislation (PA 296 and 297 of 2008) invoking stiffer penalties for injuring or killing anyone in a work zone further enhances safety.”

Signed into law last fall by Gov. Jennifer Granholm, the two new laws provide stiffer penalties for injuring or killing another person in a Michigan road construction work zone. The law will impose fines of up to $7,500 in fines and 15 years in jail, for motorists who injure or kill anyone, not just construction workers, in a road construction work zone. Previously, under Andy’s Law, similar penalties were applicable if a motorist injured or killed a road worker.

“This legislation not only continues to protect our workers, but it protects the public as well,” Steudle said, adding that motorists, not workers, comprise the “vast majority” of work zone injuries and fatalities.

In an effort to promote work zone safety in 2009, MDOT has developed a 30-second public service announcement expected to air on radio stations statewide from Memorial Day to Labor Day through a partnership with the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.

Additionally, MDOT will provide special funding to the Michigan State Police (MSP) for overtime patrols in work zones. Heavy enforcement concentration will involve the I-96 corridor in Livingston County between US-23 and Kent Lake Road.

“Drivers play an important role in preventing crashes in work zones,” said MSP Director Col. Peter C. Munoz. “Be alert and use appropriate caution when approaching work zones: look, locate workers, and lower your speed if workers are present.”