Letter to the Editor on Highway Safety
Used by WI LECET Trustees and Laborers Local Unions all over Wisconsin

At the construction season heats up over the summer months, it is time for all of us who travel on Wisconsin highways and streets to recognize that the hard-working men and women who build and repair our roads and bridges deserve our undivided attention when we are driving in construction zones.

Construction laborers have one of the most dangerous jobs around . . . especially when traffic passes close to or through a construction zone.

Nationally, almost 23% of fatalities related to road construction occur when workers on foot are struck by traffic. Another 12% of the fatalities result from traffic accidents near work zones.

In Wisconsin, an average of more than four fatalities a year during the 90's can be attributed to pedestrian or vehicular accidents in and around construction zones.

Through awareness, alertness and patience, Wisconsin drivers can avoid accidents and save lives this construction season! Perhaps the life they save may even be their own.

The Wisconsin Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust (Wisconsin LECET), a labor-management group that represents highway construction workers and their employers, hopes that Wisconsin drivers will:

• Be aware of all signs, flagpeople and workers identifying a construction zone
• Observe and obey all speed limits
• Have patience if traffic backs up or slows in work zones

Road closures and lane restrictions during construction are not done to annoy, inconvenience or delay drivers. These temporary measures are necessary so that our highways, streets and bridges can be improved and made safer for all of us.

Wisconsin law doubles fines and penalties for traffic violations in construction zones. So . . . save yourself some money and some trouble by strictly obeying the speed limits where our roads are being repaired or replaced. If you drive safely, you just might save a life too.