It is sometimes said that states located in the northern part of the country have two seasons, winter and road construction. With the warmer temps and disappearance of cold and snow, which usually occurs by the end of April, road construction season is right around the corner.

Perhaps not coincidentally, the last full week of April was National Work Zone Awareness Week. The state of Pennsylvania made sure it took actions to observe the occasion in hopes of reducing car accidents. In recognition of the week, the state took the opportunity to introduce new safety equipment designed to help keep all-workers as well as drivers-safer as they occupy the road.

There are a multitude of possible causes for motor vehicle accidents in work zones. These accidents can involve only cars, or vehicles and pedestrians working in the zone.

Despite the slower speed limits usually posted in these areas, the injuries associated with these types of accidents can be serious. In fact, over the course of the last 42 years, a total of 83 PennDOT workers have died while working on roads in Pennsylvania.

The equipment introduced last week can be used in different types of work zones. It includes LED PowerFlares for nighttime road construction projects, portable rumble strips and flagger paddles that have been improved compared to the ones previously used.

While safety equipment plays a role in keeping all people safe, there are obviously things individuals behind the wheel can do as well. Police and PennDOT indicated that focusing on driving and following posted speed limits while in the work zones can help reduce the number of accidents that occur.

Source: KDKA, "PennDOT Raises Work Zone Awareness," April 27, 2012