Written by Connie Hogue, Vice President of Human Resources & Safety

Whenever you are driving down the road, and you approach the black and orange construction signs that say, “Road Work Ahead,” “One Lane Road Ahead,” “Utility Work Ahead,” “Workers Ahead,” and “Flagger Ahead,” – what is the first thing you should do? Slow down!

Yes, it may be frustrating to come across work zones occasionally on your commute—especially if you are running late for something, but road construction and maintenance workers need to make crucial updates and changes to help make the roadways more efficient.

Maintenance workers oversee the safety and reliability of our roadways by repairing hazardous conditions, but they cannot do their jobs without your cooperation.  

National Work Zone Awareness Week

April 15-19 is National Work Zone Awareness Week, and even though they are the days specifically chosen to acknowledge and be more mindful of work zones, you should always keep them in mind whenever you get in your car.
According to the National Safety Council, 954 people were killed and 42,151 people were injured in work zone related crashes in 2021. 
The casualties took place in:

• Construction zones (468)
• Work zones of unknown types (403)
• Maintenance zones (66)
• Utility zones (17)

The deaths mostly consisted of drivers, but included pedestrians, passengers, bicyclists and road maintenance workers, as well. The number of deaths and injuries needs to be reduced significantly. If everyone were more aware of work zones and passed them with caution, the number of fatalities would be zero.

Passing a Work Zone

• Slow down. Reducing your speed in work zones allows you to have better control over your vehicle and you can stop your vehicle quickly, if needed. 

• Avoid any distractions. Pay attention to your surroundings – including the people, vehicles and potential hazards around you and the area under construction. 

• Always make eye contact with the operator or flagger.  Before you drive near a work zone, make sure the crew is prepared for you to pass.

• Follow the designated safety signs. If a sign says “slow,” go slow. If a sign says “stop,” stop – these signs are not suggestions. They provide quick, easy-to-follow guidance to ensure everyone’s safety.
• Stay inside of the traffic cones. Do not drive in and out of the cones or knock them over. Follow the route that is mapped out specifically for their safety and yours.
• Watch out for the crew members operating the machinery. They only have a small and narrow area to work in, and depending on the job they may need to step outside of their traffic cones. 

Move Over and Slow Down

The Move Over Law is a lifesaving law that requires drivers to move over and slow down for any stationary vehicle with flashing lights on the side of the road. The law applies to vehicles with flashing lights of any color, including law enforcement officers, emergency responders, road construction, maintenance vehicles, utility crews and tow trucks.
When a vehicle with flashing lights is stopped on or next to a roadway, drivers approaching the vehicle should: change into a lane not immediately adjacent to the vehicle, or slow down to a reasonable speed if you are unable to safely make a lane change.

By making these simple, yet necessary adjustments, you can help substantially reduce the number of accidents, injuries, and deaths from happening in and around work zones. 

Remember to always Move Over, Slow Down and pay attention for every flashing light, every time. It just may save a life.