America's Road Team Spreads Safety Message During 'Work Zone Awareness Week'

ARLINGTON, Va., April 9, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- America's Road Team Captains are reminding drivers during Work Zone Awareness Week (April 7 -- April 11) that while work zones are necessary for improved roadways, they also require added caution on the part of motorists.

"At a time when overall traffic safety is improving, work zones are actually seeing a rise in accidents and fatalities," said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. "This is an issue the trucking industry wants to correct, and one we hope to make the general public aware of."

Work zones are important to provide improved roadways for smoother rides, better traffic flow and safer travel. But accidents, injuries and fatalities have risen in recent years in and around highway work zones.

America's Road Team, a group of elite professional truck drivers with millions of accident-free miles, are lending their expertise. Captains are at Welcome Centers across the nation to educate motorists on simple steps to avoid high-risk driving mistakes in work zones. The top five tips for all drivers include:

-- Expect the Unexpected - Speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed and people may be working on or near the road.

-- Slow Down - Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes.

-- Don't Tailgate - Keep a safe following distance between you and the car ahead.

-- Plan Your Trip - Schedule your trip with plenty of extra time. Expect delays and leave early so you are not anxious while driving.

-- Be Aware of Blindspots - Trucks have large blindspots in front, back and either side. Try to avoid lingering in this space and do not cut in front of a truck -- they cannot stop quickly.

A full list of work zone safety tips for motorists, and for professional truck drivers, is available at www.truckline.com.

Work zone safety is an issue that tractor-trailers must improve on as well. The majority of work zone accidents occur during the weekday commute hours, with trucks involved in 30 percent of crashes. With highway congestion continuing to rise, special attention must be paid to motorists and tractor-trailers sharing the road -- especially in highway work zones. For the Road Team's tips for professional truck drivers, visit www.truckline.com.

"Work Zone safety is a major issue on the highway," said America's Road Team Captain Bill Burton. "Not only are these areas more hazardous than the typical road, but there are often workers present. For the sake of highway workers, and all motorists, drivers need to slow down and follow the rules of the road."

The America's Road Team, sponsored by Volvo Trucks North America, is a national public outreach program led by a small group of professional truck drivers who share superior driving skills, remarkable safety records and a strong desire to spread the word about safety on the highway. www.americasroadteam.com

The American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of other trucking groups, industry-related conferences, and its 50 affiliated state trucking associations, ATA represents more than 37,000 members covering every type of motor carrier in the United States.

Eric Reller (703) 838-1896