TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The weather has warmed up and for some, that means more traveling, but for the Indiana Department of Transportation, that means more road construction.
Blake Dollier, Public Relations Director for the Indiana Department of Transportation, said the numbers are staggering.
“In 2024 alone, there were over 7,000 crashes that occurred in work zones or work zone backups”, Dollier said. “There were over 1500 injuries that occurred in work zones and work zones backups, in addition to 30 fatalities. That is simply too many. We are working tirelessly, day in and day out, to protect our workers and to protect the drivers and their passengers.”
One highway maintenance technician, Matt Schalburg, said he has seen a number of work zone accidents, and the most common issue is distractions.
“Basically, it’s not paying attention”, Schalburg said. “It’s inattention from everything from a cell phone to, I’ve actually seen, people with a newspaper spread across the steering wheel as they are driving through zones.”
To bring the issue to light, the Indiana Department of Transportation has deemed this week National Work Zone Awareness Week.
They are looking to shed light on safe driving habits as work zones increase across the state.
“As you go out into your travels, make sure you are aware of the work zones that are happening, abiding by the posted speed limit, avoiding distracted driving, and doing everything you possibly can to keep yourself safe and keep our crews safe out on the roadway”, Dollier said.
The Indiana Department of Transportation has a website and an app to help drivers plan their routes and be aware of work zones. You can visit their website here.
