The Wisconsin Department of Transportation hosts an event in Appleton highlighting the dangers of inattentive driving in construction zones, Aug. 15, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — With construction set to impact Interstate 41 between Appleton and Green Bay over the next six years, officials are reminding motorists to exercise safe driving techniques in work zones.
On Thursday, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation spotlighted the dangers and consequences of inattentive driving in work zones. The event was held in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration, local law enforcement and first responders, community leaders and industry partners.
According to a news release, in 2023, there were 2,100 crashes in Wisconsin work zones, resulting in nine deaths. Officials say speeding, tailgating and distracted driving are the leading causes of work zone crashes in the Badger State.
Poor driving behavior in work zones puts workers’ and motorists’ lives at risk.
WisDOT Division Administrator Rebecca Burkel said those deaths are more than numbers.
“They are people, they are families, they are friends… These deaths impact people and their families. It’s very important and very serious,” Burkel said.
“Our people deal with these things day in and day out in work zones. They are very close to the traveling public and they need the drivers really to take that into account,” Burkel added. “Slow down, not be distracted, stay off of their cell phones, keep their seatbelts on and look around and pay attention.”
The major expansion of I-41 on the 23-mile stretch from Wisconsin Avenue in Grand Chute to Scheuring Road in De Pere is expected to be completed in 2030. It will expand the interstate from four lanes to six, which officials say will reduce congestion and enhance safety.
“Many times the construction zone’s lanes and how they’re configured change daily, so [drivers] need to slow down and pay attention to what’s going on,” said Lt. Luke Newman with the Wisconsin State Patrol.
WisDOT says you can help keep roads safe by following these tips:
- Drive safely. Be courteous, avoid distractions and obey posted speed limits.
- Park the phone when driving. Texting while driving is illegal statewide and talking on a hand-held mobile device is illegal in work zones.
- Give space to emergency responders. Move over or slow down for emergency vehicles stopped along a highway with their warning lights flashing. That includes police and fire vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles. In addition, state law restricts use of a cell phone in areas surrounding those vehicles.
- Buckle up, phone down.
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