Q&A: ODOT, OTA urge caution during Work Zone Awareness Month

April is Work Zone Awareness Month in Oklahoma, and with nearly 100 work zones expected across the state this summer, safety is top of mind for both drivers and road crews. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) are teaming up to remind drivers that safety is a shared responsibility.

We sat down with Jonathan Brooks, ODOT Engineer, and Jeff Garder, OTA Director of Construction, to talk about what it’s like to work in these zones and how drivers can help keep everyone safe.

Q: What is it like working in active work zones?

Garder: “In work zones, oftentimes there's far too many close calls. People are distracted, not buckled up, and not driving the posted speed limit. That poses risks not only to themselves, but to the drivers around them and the workers in the zone. We just need them to be our partner and do their part in keeping our work zones safe.”

Q: What are the top things drivers should do when approaching work zones?

Brooks: “Please stay off your distractions, as Jeff mentioned. Go the speed limit, of course, and buckle up. We also encourage people to use the Drive Oklahoma app so they can plan trips around work zones and factor in weather or traffic conditions. It’s important to slow down and pull over if you can.”

Q: There have been 73 worker deaths between ODOT and OTA. What does that mean to your team?

Garder: “We really need the traveling public to do their part. We're doing our part in improving the transportation network in the state of Oklahoma and trying to keep our roads as safe as we can. But we need the public to do their part. And every driver that drives through our work zones, please pay attention. Don't be distracted and allow everyone to get home safe at night.”

Q: How can the public get involved in Work Zone Awareness Month?

Brooks: “All April long, drive safely in work zones. But especially on April 15, which is Work Zone Awareness Day—we ask everyone to wear orange. Not for OU or OSU, but to support our work zone safety efforts. Post a picture and tag @OKDOT or @OKTurnpike on social media. And if you miss that day, there are still plenty of ways to show support throughout the month.”