Teaching new drivers how to safely navigate work zones is the aim of a new training course from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the state’s Turnpike Commission.
Available in English and Spanish, the 35-minute New Driver Work Zone Safety Program virtual course highlights safe driving practices in work zones and work zone laws, and includes simulated real-life scenarios that drivers might encounter on the roads. The free course also features videos, infographics, testimonials and knowledge checks.
From 2019 to 2023, nearly 80,000 crashes in Pennsylvania involved at least one teen driver, resulting in 483 deaths, according to PennDOT. State data also shows that more than 1,400 work zone crashes occur each year, with 600 resulting in injuries and 15 in deaths.
“Our roadway is only as safe as the drivers who use it, and helping them understand the importance of slowing down and paying attention in work zones is critical,” said PA Turnpike Chief Operating Officer Craig Shuey. “This program furthers our commitment to safety.”
