Construction season is underway and Governor JB Pritzker is calling attention to the life and death issues facing highway workers and law enforcement. The governor is asking the public to ‘Drive Like You Work Here’ as part of National Work Zone Awareness Week.
Representatives from the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police, Illinois Tollway, industry partners and front-line construction workers joined Governor Pritzker in the call for motorists to drive carefully. ‘’The hardworking men and women that keep up our roadways deserve to work in a safe environment,’’ said the Governor. ‘’Especially after the tragic and senseless loss of our state troopers, it’s critical that everyone on the road do their part,’’ added Pritzker.
National Work Zone Awareness Week comes this year amid an alarming spike in motorists striking Illinois State Police vehicles. Three troopers have died this year in traffic-related fatalities.
The Illinois Department of Transportation says lane closures, changes in traffic patterns, reduced speed limits and the presence of workers and equipment demands special attention from the motoring public.
‘’Always remember, the people you pass working on equipment or behind the cones and barricades are someone’s father, mother, son, daughter, friend or neighbor,’’ said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. ‘’At the end of the day, they want to get home safely, just like you,’’ he added.
