This week marks National Work Zone Awareness Week, and both city and state transportation departments are reminding New Yorkers to remain attentive and safe in work zone areas.
The New York City DOT reported seven injuries in work zones last year, part of the 45 reported work zone injuries since 2009. Five workers have died in the last 20 years, including George Staab, who died while in a work zone this week five years ago.
City DOT commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and other city and state transit officials gathered under the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway to commemorate those who have been injured or died in working zones.
"The public has a critical role to play in work zone traffic safety," said John Wong, regional director of operations for the New York State DOT. “Slow down, drive, safely, and remember – our worker’s lives are dependent on you.”
Work zone speed cameras were introduced this week to catch drivers going excessively fast in working zones. Fines start at $50 for the first violation and increase every time.