MITA is among numerous construction industry groups, state/federal agencies across the state and nation who are joining forces this week to increase public work zone awareness. MITA members can get involved and show their support by wearing orange on Wednesday, April 13. To share your photos on social media, include these hashtags: #OrangeforSafety #NWZAW. In addition, email the photos to nancybrown@mi-ita.com and mariamrobinson@mi-ita.com to be included in the MITA magazine and on the MITA Facebook page.
MITA’s Vice President of Industry Relations, Rachelle VanDeventer, P.E., will help kick off the week during a press conference today at 10:30 a.m. at the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Brighton maintenance facility. In addition to VanDeventer, officials from MDOT, the Michigan State Police, the American Traffic Safety Services Association and other groups will speak about roadway safety and innovations in transportation.
According to recent national statistics, driver and vehicle passengers accounted for 82 percent of work zone fatalities. This fact led to the national campaign theme: “Don’t be that driver!” Drivers are being reminded to not text, talk on the phone, eat or groom while they are driving to ensure that everyone in their cars and in work zones gets home safely every day.
In addition to MITA and MDOT, other sponsors of Work Zone Awareness Week include the following MITA members: Ajax Paving Industries, Inc., C. A. Hull Co., Inc., Consumers Energy and Give ‘Em A Brake Safety. The following organizations are also sponsors: Nite Beams, MDOT Worldwide, Local 517M of the Service Employees International Union, American Traffic Safety Services Association, Semco Energy and Operating Engineers.
