In 2014, 146 people in Texas were killed in work zone crashes.  The Texas Department of Transportation emphasized that by placing 146 safety cones near Timberland Drive on Tuesday morning during their press conference.

That number is an increase of 20% compared to a year ago.

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TxDOT Public Information Officer, Rhonda Oaks, spoke at the headquarters of the Lufkin District Office to raise awareness during National Work Zone Awareness Week.  Other speakers included Cheryl Flood - TxDOT Lufkin District Engineer, Dru McMillon - TxDOT Lufkin Safety Specialist, David Hendry - Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper, and Jackie Robinson - N-Line Traffic Maintenance.  Nacogdoches County TxDOT employee Steve Smith and Polk County TxDot employee Keith Brown gave examples of 'near misses' that they personally experienced while on the job.

The reoccurring point that was driven home was for drivers to control their speed in work zones and to remain attentive.  The use of cell phones should be completely curtailed in work zones to avoid any accidents.  Another factor that should deter drivers from speeding in work zones is the doubling of fines when workers are present.  Fines can easily approach $2,000.

The Lufkin District of TxDOT includes 9 counties - Angelina, Nacogoches, Sabine, San Augustine, Polk, San Jacinto, Houston, Trinity, and Shelby.

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