STATEWIDE--In observation of National Work Zone Awareness Week, the Texas Department of Transportation launched its "Be Safe. Drive Smart" campaign Monday.
- 161 barrels represent work zone deaths in 2018
- 12 deaths in San Antonio
- 9 deaths in Austin
There are 161 barrels set up at TxDOT's headquarters in Austin, just off Interstate 35, to serve as a reminder of the 161 people killed in road construction zones statewide last year.
“This is an effort to remind folks that construction zones can be risky. You need to drive slower, and you need to pay attention” –Brad Wheelis, Texas DOT.
Twelve of those deaths were in San Antonio and nine were in Austin.
HELPFUL LINK | Mover Over, Slow Down Law Explained
Wheelis said there are at least 3,000 road construction projects in Texas at any given time and he advises drivers to be extra cautious when driving through those areas. Not only is it a safety concern, it's also the law.
In the video above, Wheelis explains the Move Over/Slow Down law to our Victoria Maranan, along with driving tips near work zones.
(Photo Credit: https://www.txdot.gov/)