(JUNEAU, ALASKA) – April 23-27, 2012 marks the 13th annual National Work Zone Awareness Week across the United States. As the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) ramps up for the summer construction season, we remind drivers to be aware and cautious when driving through work zones.

“It is important drivers recognize 85 percent of those who are killed in work zones are drivers and their passengers,” said DOT&PF Commissioner Marc Luiken. “As we start construction projects across Alaska, drivers should remember to minimize distractions, follow signs and flaggers and slow down when traveling through active work zones.”

Alaska averages nearly 80 highway work zone accidents each year.  One way to reduce accidents is to be aware of construction projects in your area. DOT&PF posts weekly construction updates statewide at 511.Alaska.Gov and www.AlaskaNavigator.org.

Before heading out motorists are reminded to check road conditions. Travelers may dial 5-1-1 from any phone in Alaska or follow statewide driving condition updates either @alaska511 on Twitter or on Facebook at facebook.com/Alaska511.

Alaska 511 is also available for mobile devices via the iPhone/iPad App available on iTunes or by the mobile-ready website m.511.alaska.gov. Drivers are advised to check their mobile devices before starting their vehicle or while completely stopped.

National Work Zone Awareness Week began in 2000 with a partnership between the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, the Federal Highway Administration, and the American Traffic and Safety Services Association to promote work zone safety. Since then, each April, state DOTs and transportation groups have joined the effort to reduce fatalities and promote safer driving practices.

This year’s theme is “Don’t Barrel Through Work Zones! Drive Smart to Arrive Alive.”

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) oversees 254 airports, 11 ferries now serving 34 communities, 5,700 miles of highway and 660 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of DOT&PF is to “Get Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”

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