Montoursville, PA –The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Highway Safety Network and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) met today at the Keystone Welcome Center on Route 15 south in Tioga County to highlight work zone safety. The event, which was held on the 20th anniversary of the Welcome Center's opening, follows National Work Zone Awareness Week which was held April 17-21.
During the campaign and throughout the year, motorists are strongly urged to remain cautious and drive the posted speed limits through work zones. The theme for this year's campaign is "You play a role in work zone safety. Work with us."
"When you approach a work zone, reduce your speed, be cautious to avoid distractions, turn on your headlights, maintain a safe distance and remember the highways workers have families to go home to. Take the extra steps to be cautious to ensure everyone gets home safely each and every day," said Trooper Robert Evanchick, Community Affairs Officer, PSP Troop F.
The Keystone Welcome Center at Tioga, Route 15 south opened on April 24, 2003. The sprawling facility overlooks Tioga-Hammond Dams and the Lakes and small town of Tioga, Pennsylvania. It is one of 14 official Keystone Welcome Centers promoting travel and tourism in the state by providing vital travel counsel, products, and services to users of Pennsylvania's transportation system.
Located seven miles south of the Pennsylvania-New York border, the Welcome Center resembles a mountain lodge and includes an overlook area where visitors may catch a glimpse of an American Bald Eagle riding the thermals. Inside, visitors can relax on comfortable furniture by the fireplace or learn about the local lumber history and forestry conservation and heritage.
The PennDOT Workers' Memorial, which honors the 90 PennDOT employees who have been killed in the line of duty since 1970, was on display at the event. The memorial, with its reflective vests and hardhats mounted on stands, was created by Bradford County maintenance workers following the death of co-worker Leah Rumsey, who was hit by a car while flagging in a work zone. The Workers' Memorial emphasizes the fact that the safety of workers in a work zone is truly dependent on each and every person on Pennsylvania's roadways.
According to preliminary PennDOT data, in 2022 there were 1,293 work zone crashes, resulting in 14 fatalities in Pennsylvania.
PennDOT urges motorists to follow these tips when encountering work zones:
- Drive the posted work zone speed limit;
- Stay alert and pay close attention to signs and flaggers;
- Turn on your headlights if signs instruct you to do so;
- Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and do not tailgate;
- Use four-way flashers when stopped or traveling slowly;
- Avoid distractions and give your full attention to the road;
- Always buckle up;
- Expect the unexpected;
- Be patient.
For more information on traffic safety visit the "Work Zone" information center at penndot.pa.gov/safety. View the department's new work zone safety video here.
Join the discussion on social media by using #NWZAW2023 in posts. Follow PennDOT on Twitter and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.
Contact: Kim Smith, kiasmit@pa.gov
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