Springfield, IL (WTAX) – Representatives of Law Enforcement, Government, Labor and Business gathered for a media event sponsored by the Illinois Dept. of Transportation for Work Zone Awareness Week.
It happened on Tuesday morning at Jefferson and 9th Streets, next to the massive road construction project happening at that intersection.
The theme this year is WORK ZONES ARE TEMPORARY, BAD DECISIONS CAN LAST A LIFETIME.
Region 4 engineer, Jeff Myers told the media there were over 6000 work zone accidents in Illinois last year resulting in 24 deaths. 23 motorists and one worker died on Illinois highways.
Myers says this highlights the fact that work zone accidents are more dangerous to civilians than workers.
Sangamon County Sheriff, Jack Campbell, tells WTAX News CELL PHONES have emerged as the biggest impediment to safe driving. He says the problem cuts across all age groups.
Lt Josh Adcock of ISP says his group has stepped up enforcement with tougher fines and stiffer jail sentences. And, he says, the troopers have added a ‘tracking van’ that can operate in Illinois work zones and monitor and photograph unsafe drivers.