Clark County Public Works launches safe driving campaignFree

Clark County Public Works launched a safe driving campaign Monday after a worker was struck by a reckless driver, according to a press release.

“Our road crews are the backbone of our ability to maintain a safe and efficient transportation network. They put their lives on the line every time they step into the road,” Deputy County Engineer Jeremy Provenzola said in the release.

The campaign is part of a pilot project that will test several strategies to share work zone safety messages with drivers, including a billboard on Northeast St. Johns Road between Northeast Minnehaha Street and Northeast 78th Street, social media posts, and internet, radio and newspaper ads.

The different strategies will be evaluated for effectiveness in reaching Clark County drivers. The pilot project will also test different messages and graphics.

According to the release, Public Works staff have reported an increasing number of incidents, including collisions and near collisions, while working in construction zones on county roads. National, state and local data shows traffic collisions, especially in work zones, are on the rise. Between 2020 and 2021, the most recent available data, work zone fatalities increased by 10.8 percent, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

Public Works hopes to use the results of the pilot project to create an annual campaign in partnership with other local agencies. More information can be found at clark.wa.gov/public-works/traveling-safely-work-zones.