Operational Improvements Award: To South Carolina Department of Transportation for Let 'Em Work, Let 'Em Live! And Obey the Law
In 1999, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SC DOT) ambitiously contracted to complete 27 years of highway construction in a 7-year period, quadrupling construction with an anticipated resulting increase in work zone crashes, injuries and fatalities. Statistically, the impact of the accelerated construction schedule realized an increase in work zone crashes between 2001 and 2002 of nearly 30%. Injuries increased by 23.7%, clearly demonstrating a need for a focused, ongoing approach to reducing work zone incidents.
In response, SC DOT implemented an extensive Work Zone Safety program from 2002 through 2005 including statewide public information and education campaigns, retreats, teleconferences, a statewide tour of the National Work Zone Memorial, worker training, presentations and an aggressive High Visibility Enforcement Program.
SC DOT partnered with FHWA, the state’s Department of Public Safety, local law enforcement agencies, highway contractors, and other governmental organizations using Federal funding to implement massive informational campaigns conveying a zero tolerance message for speeding in work zones. Extensive training was also provided for highway workers to improve consistency in work zone operations. While the goal was to reduce work zone crashes and fatalities by a minimum of 7%, the program far exceeded expectations, with reductions in crashes dropping 39.2% over one control period, injuries reduced by 44.1% and fatalities reduced by 50%.
For more information, contact:
Terecia Wilson
South Carolina Department of Transportation Safety Office
Telephone: 803-737-1161
Email: wilsontw@scdot.org
Rev. 10/30/07