Work Zone Awareness – April 15-19, 2024

NATIONAL WORK ZONE AWARENESS WEEK
APRIL 15-19, 2024

A reminder that work zones need everyone’s undivided attention. When approaching a work zone, motorists should always slow down, follow all posted signs, be alert, and remain calm. Risky driving behavior affects more than just the driver – everyone’s lives and families are at stake.

Technology is helping to make work zones safer by collecting data and automating processes, which can remove workers from dangerous situations and provide motorists with important information. It is also a reminder that work zone safety begins with workers who are dedicated to safety.

If we ALL work together, we can achieve zero deaths on our roads and in our work zones!

According to the federal DOT, a “work zone is an area of a highway with construction, maintenance, or utility work activities. A work zone is typically marked by signs, channelizing devices, barriers, pavement markings, and/or work vehicles.”

Hundreds of people, including over 100 workers, are killed every year in work zone accidents. That means a majority of the victims are drivers and their passengers. More than 40,000 people are injured in work zones annually. Drivers using their cell phones are 4 TIMES more likely to be involved in a crash.

It is essential that both our employees and customers are aware of where they can access safety data information on the products we both manufacture and sell. Below are some quick links to our material safety data information.

Wednesday, April 17th
is Go Orange Day

All roadway safety professionals across the country are encouraged to wear orange on Wednesday to proudly show their support of work zone safety. Go Orange Day and NWZAW is an important time to show your support of the roadway safety industry, especially to the families of victims who have lost their lives in work zones.

THESE SIMPLE TIPS COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE IN A WORK ZONE

• Think Orange! When you see orange signs, cones and barrels, expect a roadside work zone ahead.
• Stay alert! Look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers.
• Pay attention. Work zone signs will tell you exactly what to expect ahead.
• Merge early. If drivers merge as soon as they see the signs, traffic will flow more smoothly.
• Slow down. You may encounter slowed or stopped traffic in an instant.
• Don’t follow too closely. Maintain a safe distance on all sides of your vehicle.
• Minimize distractions. Just because you might be driving slower doesn’t mean it’s a good time to check your text messages!
• Plan ahead. Expect delays and allow extra travel time. Select an alternate route if you are running late.

The primary cause of highway construction worker injuries and fatalities is contact with vehicles, objects, and equipment. Prevention is possible through good practices. Aging infrastructure prompts more roadwork on open roadways, especially in congested urban areas, leading to increased night work to alleviate peak traffic. This combination heightens safety concerns for workers, but regulations and resources exist to ensure safe job performance.

For further information and resources on National Work Zone Awareness Week, visit the official campaign website at nwzaw.org or explore the resources provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration’s Work Zone Management Program.