While the total number of highway fatalities has dropped over the past years, the number of people getting killed in highway work zones appears to be holding stead, even increasing slightly.
The Jefferson State Office Building bear in Jefferson City glows orange to raise awareness for work zone safety during Work Zone Safety Week, April 19 through 23. (Photo courtesy of MoDOT.)
The Missouri Department of Transportation says between 2005 and 2009, 64 people were killed in highway construction zones. MoDOT spokesman Jorma Duran says that includes workers, pedestrians and motorists. He points out the increase in injuries, too.
Jorma Duran, MoDOT spokesman, says in 2008, 12 people were killed in work zones, 599 were injured. Last year, that number jumped to 13 killed, 670 injured.
Duran says MoDOT is taking the opportunity this week to drive the point home that orange cones are everywhere this time of year, and people need to slow down and be attentive.
He says the biggest reasons for work zone deaths and injuries are drivers following too closely, improper lane change, sudden braking, speeding and failure to yeild.
