As the construction season ramps up, Indiana American Water joins utilities and organizations across the country to highlight National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), which ran from April 17 to 21.
NWZAW was launched more than 20 years ago to raise public awareness about work zone safety and the importance of using extra caution when traveling through work zones to keep roadway workers and motorists safe.
According to the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse, there were 780 fatal crashes nationwide in work zones resulting in 863 deaths in 2020, including 26 work zone fatalities in Indiana.
“Indiana American Water invests more than $150 million in its infrastructure annually,” Indiana American Water President Matt Prine said. “That means our employees and contractor crews are spending many work hours on the road performing critical jobs that help keep life flowing in the communities we are privileged to serve.
Keep these tips from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in mind when traveling in work zones:
- Slow down: Follow posted speed limits. Adjust your speed for traffic flows and weather conditions. Keep an eye out for road workers and their equipment.
- Keep your distance: Don’t tailgate. Leave at least three seconds or more (depending on your speed) of braking room between you and the vehicle in front of you.
- Move into an open lane: When approaching lane closures, move into the open lane as soon as possible. Be sure to pay close attention to vehicles around you that could be in your blind spot.
- Pay attention and stay alert: Be prepared for sudden stops. Avoid changing radio stations and using cell phones.
- Be patient and make safety your first priority.
“We want our crews to return home safely after each day’s work, so we more than welcome the opportunity to spotlight the importance of work zone safety this week and all year long,” Prine said.
Click here to learn more about American Water’s approach to safety.