Reitz Highlights National Work Zone Awareness Week

RED BUD, Ill. – To help protect construction workers and highlight increased safety measures to combat the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, state Rep. Nathan Reitz, D-Steeleville, is highlighting National Work Zone Awareness Week.

“Many construction workers have been deemed essential personnel and continue to put their lives on the line each day to improve the quality and safety of our local roadways,” said Reitz. “While the amount of traffic has decreased due to the COVID-19 health crisis, National Work Zone Awareness Week is a great reminder of the importance of safe driving habits, especially in work zones.”

Reitz is highlighting Work Zone Awareness Week to remind drivers of the importance of safe driving habits in construction work zones, like slowing down, looking out for changes in traffic pattern and following the posted speed limit. Each year, more than 5100 crashes on average occur in Illinois work zones. To address this issue, Reitz was supportive of a new law that sets a penalty up to $1000 for drivers who disobey traffic-control devices within work zones and stiffened penalties for violations when workers are present.

“Anytime that drivers use our roadways, please be mindful of construction zones, especially if workers are present, both for their safety and your own,” continued Reitz. “Since there are fewer drivers on the road due to the COVID-19 crisis, it is critical to pay attention and drive without distraction to help keep our workers safe.”