(JUNEAU, Alaska) – As state DOTs and transportation groups from across the country recognize the 17th Annual National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 11-15, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) reminds motorists to drive carefully through work zones – for their own safety and the safety of workers.

This year’s theme is “Don’t Be THAT Driver: Work on Safety. Get Home Safely. Every Day.” and reinforces the message that driving in and around work zones requires motorists to consistently be alert and prepared. Work zones often change; a distracted driver may not notice these changes in time to prevent a potentially fatal crash.

Alaska averages about 50 highway work zone accidents each year. One way to reduce accidents is to be aware of construction projects prior to driving. ADOT&PF posts weekly construction updates statewide at 511.Alaska.gov and www.AlaskaNavigator.org.

Before heading out motorists may dial 5-1-1 from any phone in Alaska or follow statewide driving condition updates either on Twitter at @alaska511 or on Facebook at Facebook.com/Alaska511.

National Work Zone Awareness Week began in 1999 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.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 237 airports, 9 ferries serving 35 communities along 3,500 marine miles, over 5,600 miles of highway and 839 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to “Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”

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