Whitaker Contracting Corp

During 2007, I surveyed 1,272 community members in Marshall County, Alabama.  Community members were divided into two age groups: 16-24 and 55-70 year olds. The survey was directed to understand the public’s awareness of roadway work zone safety and general knowledge of road construction by private contractor, state agencies, and public utilities.

Complaints:
Out of 1,272, 946 had complained more about public utilities for low visibility, insufficient warning, and workers neither paying attention nor acting aware of traffic.

Signs:
398 individuals in the 16-24 year old category could name or describe an average of 3 road work signs; all adults in the 55-70 year old category could name and describe 5 or more.
On the average, 2 safe driving tips for entering a roadway work zone could be described: watch flagman and watch for equipment in use.
The total number of students in this survey was 941.  728 students did not know traffic patterns could change in work zones. They thought it was laid out and would return to normal once the job was completed. 331 adults knew, from experience, that traffic patterns changed.

Cell phone use while driving:
Of the students surveyed, 610 had cell phones.  493 students talked on cell phones while driving and 314 have received and/or used text messaging while driving.  The remaining students were either restricted from talking while driving by their parents or didn’t feel comfortable talking on the phone while driving. 81 of the individuals in the 55-70 year old category own cell phones.  All 81 admit to having talked on their phone while driving. 

Near Misses/Close Calls while driving:
189 students admitted having close calls/near misses while driving.
Lost family member, friend or knew someone killed in automobile accident:
1127 of the 1272 surveyed!

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