By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The week of orange is upon us, bringing attention to National Work Zone Awareness Week. The Kansas Department of Transportation reminds all drivers to slow down in work zones and reminds the public to be aware in work zones.
KDOT Public Affairs Manager Tim Potter said nine people died in 2023 in Kansas work zone crashes.
"About 90% of the time, the people injured in work zone crashes are motorists," said Potter. "This is partly to protect our workers who are vulnerable because they're working in the zones, but just as much it's to protect motorists."
Along with the nine deaths, 508 individuals were injured in Kansas work zone accidents in 2023. Potter said KDOT will sometimes alert motorists of work zones with signage, cones and occasionally message boards.
The top contributing factor to work zone crashes is inattention.
"That would include people not paying attention to that sign that says decrease your speed," said Potter. "In other situations, we have people following too closely and driving too fast, improperly changing lanes or violating the right-of-way."
In 2023, 76% of all the work zone crashes occurred during daylight hours.
Everyone is encouraged to wear orange this week to show support for Kansas highway workers, especially Wednesday, April 17, the official “Go Orange Day” in Kansas.