Work zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.
Some call it spring. But for Branch, a construction firm headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia, it’s called “orange barrel season.” Because with warmer weather comes road and bridge repairs.
National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is an annual spring campaign held at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. This year, NWZAW is recognized April 15-19.
Work zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.
Work zones pose significant risks to both workers and drivers. The tradesmen and tradeswomen who repair the roads and bridges want to arrive home the same way they showed up to work: healthy and alive. Work zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.
The tradesmen and tradeswomen who work in work zones are husbands and wives, parents, brothers, sons, and daughters. They are the coaches for our little league teams, volunteers in our food pantries, and leaders in our civic organizations.
Pay attention! Keep your eyes on the road. Watch for signage telling you that a work zone is ahead.
Slow down! Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes. When driving through a work zone, it’s important to drive at, or below, the posted speed limit.
Expect the unexpected! Things may change overnight on the routes you travel every day. Speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may change, and signage might be added. If you see a work zone, assume that changes have been made to your route.
Minimize distractions! Dedicate your full attention to the roadway and surrounding traffic and drivers. Put down your phone and don’t fiddle with your radio. Keep your eye on the road and watch your speed.
Maintain a safe following distance. The most common type of accident in a work zone is rear-end collision. Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you.
Drive defensively. Watch and anticipate what other drivers will do.
Obey flaggers: Flaggers know what’s best for moving traffic through the work zones and are there to get you through the work zone safely.
Be work zone alert! Work zones are there to protect workers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers during construction and maintenance of our roads and bridges.
Branch takes work zone safety seriously. We want our employee-owners – and all the tradesmen and tradeswomen – working in work zones to arrive home at the end of every shift healthy and alive.
Remember, work zones are temporary, but actions behind the wheel can last forever.
