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Did you know since 1992, there have been 166 fatalities from motor vehicle crashes in Louisiana work zones? Nationally, over the last 10 years, the annual number of persons killed in motor vehicle crashes in work zones has increased 45 percent. More than 40,000 people are injured each year as a result of motor vehicle crashes in work zones.
With the recent lane closures on the Huey P. Long Bridge, and the lane closures that are still to come, what better time than now to promote safe driving in work zones?
This week is National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week. In recognition of this important cause, we’ve launched “Geaux Orange: Drive Safe on the Huey”. “Geaux Orange” reminds motorists to be mindful of construction zones and workers on the bridge.
“Geaux Orange” safety team members will be in the community throughout the week speaking with local businesses and citizens about safety in work zones. They’ll also be handing out Geaux Orange “visor cards” and key chains. Each visor card has information and emergency contact numbers in the event of an accident on the bridge. You can also request a visor card or download and print one out from our Web site, http://www.geauxorange.com/. Or look for them in your favorite local businesses.
This campaign has reminded me of the importance of work zone safety and the responsibility that we as pedestrians and motorists have to act with care.
One of the easiest things we can all do as a commuter is to slow down in a work zone. The conditions in a work zone are constantly changing, so it is important to extra caution, obey the signs, slow down and be courteous when you see orange cones. To cut down on your commute, you can always call the public outreach line at (504) 731-4200 – that way you know what the conditions are before you even leave your house. It’s a 24/7 automated info line with up-to-the-minute lane closure information. You can also check the Huey P. Long Bridge Widening Project Web site (http://www.hueypbridge.com/).
This week, while you’re “geauxing” orange, don’t forget to check out our Web site for safety tips, a downloadable visor card, the latest lane closure information and public service announcements featuring Aaron Broussard, Jefferson Parish President, and Rick Jones, head coach of Tulane Baseball.
Remember, Geaux Orange and drive safe on the Huey!