“Work zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.”
That’s the theme for Work Zone Awareness Week 2024, which will be observed nationwide from Monday, April 15, to Friday, April 19.
The annual campaign began in Virginia in 1997. That same year, the Federal Highway Administration and the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials were approached about a national awareness campaign, which launched in 2000.
“It reminds drivers to slow down and pay attention when driving through a work zone,” says Isaac Schoeber, Environmental Health and Safety Manager for Liberty’s Central Region. “Those who perform work while exposed to vehicular traffic should be trained to anticipate unsafe actions of drivers, methods to protect themselves and their fellow workers, and how to establish effective temporary traffic control. For workers to establish and maintain safe work zones, they need safe drivers.”
A total of 742 drivers and passengers were killed in work zones along with 94 roadway workers in 2022, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“Working in a work zone is probably one of the most dangerous things we do,” says Mark Phillips, Environmental Health and Safety Manager for Liberty’s East Region. “We follow all guidelines to keep our workers as safe as possible and make drivers aware of what they’re approaching and what’s coming next.”
Phillips continued, “People do not always see the caution signs, unfortunately. They may be traveling down the road thinking about something else and not even notice the ‘utility work ahead’ sign. Next thing you know, they could end up somewhere we don’t want them to be. It’s important to pay attention to what’s going on around you and maintain your situational awareness. When you approach a work zone, please slow down.”
“Liberty wants everyone – from its team members to drivers passing through work zones – to return home safely,” says Chad Sousa, EHS Manager for the company’s West Region. “Please be patient with our team as you travel through our work zones.”
Here are some ways to keep yourself and others safe in work zones:
- Exercise caution while driving through work zones to help crews stay safe. Slow down and keep an eye out for workers.
- Pay attention to the signs. It’s not just for safety; it’s the law.
- Stay alert and avoid distractions when driving through work zones. Avoid using your phone, eating, drinking, etc., while focusing on your speed, lane changes, and other important instructions in a work zone.
- Work zones often require lane closures/detours. Be aware of this and plan your route accordingly.
- When there are lane closures, move into the open lane as soon as possible. Be aware of the vehicles around you that could be in your blind spot.
- Rear-end crashes are an avoidable (but unfortunately common) occurrence. Leave distance between yourself and other vehicles in work zones.
For more information, visit www.workzonesafety.org.