National Work Zone Awareness week is April 11th -15th.  Every year more than 20,000 workers are injured while working in road construction work zones.  In 2010, there were 87,606 crashes in work zones and 576 resulting fatalities.At the beginning of the construction season each year, National Work Zone Awareness week raises awareness about the hazards in work zones. The dangers are very real for both workers and motorists. Changes in traffic patterns, proximity of workers to highway traffic, and ever evolving working conditions create a hazard-filled environment. Then, when you add bad weather to the mix, the risk of accidents increases.Distracted driving and speeding are two major factors that contribute to motor vehicle accidents.  Here are some tips to keep workers and yourself safe as you drive through work zones:1. Slow Down- obey all posted speed limits.2. Hang up the phone- even if you’re hands free talking on the phone causes cognitive distraction. There is a lot happening in work zones, and you need to pay attention to the signs and signalmen.3. Eat later. Again, this is not a good time to be distracted on the road. Finish that sandwich when you are parked.4. Don’t watch the workers. People using heavy equipment to reconstruct the highway can certainly grab your interest; it is not worth getting into an accident. Keep your eyes ahead and stay focused on the road. States generally increase fines in work zones for moving violations as a means to keep construction workers safe, and dissuade motorists from speeding.Here are the work zone violations by state for the New England and Tri-State region: Connecticut:    All moving traffic violations are double the original fine when workers and signage indicating a work zone are present.Maine:  Speeding violations are double the original fine when signage indicating a work zone is present.Massachusetts: Speeding violations are double the original fine when signage indicating a work zone is present.New Hampshire: Speeding violation fines are $250-$500 when workers and signage indicating a work zone are present.New Jersey:  All moving traffic violations are double the original fine when signage indicating a work zone is present.New York:  Speeding violation fines are $90- $600 or up to 30 days in jail, or both,  when signage indicating a work zone is present.Rhode Island: Speeding violations are double the original fine when signage indicating a work zone is present.Vermont:  Speeding violations are double the original fine when signage indicating a work zone is present.Source: Governors Highway Safety Association http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/workzone_laws.html As you are out on the road this week, whether you’re in a car or a high-visibility vest, remember to stay aware, and stay safe.To learn more about worker safety programs and OSHA compliance training call us at (877) 399-1698.Image courtesy of franky242 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net