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If you're a driver in Pittsburgh, then I'm sure you've noticed that many of our roadways are undergoing one type of construction or another in an effort to improve road safety. That effort is definitely commendable, but you should be aware that work zones can be just as dangerous as poorly maintained roads.

In 2008, about 1,415 work zone crashes occurred across Pennsylvania, and about 85 percent of those killed were motorists. That’s startling enough, but what's more alarming is that many of the accidents that occur in construction zones are due to poor safety regulations.

The hazards in road construction zones are abundant – improperly positioned concrete barriers, incorrect lane markings, unused warning signs, and road drop-offs just to name a few – yet there are virtually no federal laws regulating safety measures in work zones.

It’s the responsibility of individual states to maintain all roads. However, most of the work zone laws in place in Pennsylvania focus on driver regulation, like speed control, headlight use, and increased fines, even though many accidents are caused by poor work zone maintenance on the part of construction companies.

Remember, roadway hazards can be anywhere, so please drive safely and keep your eyes on the road.