Imagine going to work in an environment that includes speeding cars and trucks. Your job is to perform maintenance on the roads while drivers navigate around new traffic patterns and new slow zones. This is what it’s like for thousands of roadway construction workers who maintain and improve our infrastructure. Construction work zones can be challenging and dangerous for drivers, workers, pedestrians and cyclists.
“Nationwide in 2015, 700 fatalities and 35,536 injuries occurred in work zones.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
In the US, spring season is the start of work zone projects across the country. To raise awareness of work zone safety, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) launched a nationwide campaign called the National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW). It has been recognized by agencies and partner organizations like Avery Dennison since 1999. This year’s NWZAW takes place April 9th - April 13th and the theme is “Work Zone Safety: Everybody’s Responsibility.”
Our Work Zone/Personal Safety product manager, Jeff Reuter, has some tips for staying safe while driving in work zones.
- Drive cautiously and obey the posted work zone speed limits
- Avoid distractions (cell phones down!)
- Prepare for changing traffic patterns
- Always wear your seatbelt
- Be patient
Go Orange Day
In a US work zone you’ll encounter temporary signs, barrels, barricades, flags and more, in fluorescent orange. Orange is specifically chosen because it stands out against the surrounding area and psychologically we recognize that color as a warning or caution color. On Wednesday April 11th, the campaign encourages you to wear orange to show support for work zone safety. Follow the campaign hashtags, #Orange4Safety and #NWZAW to learn more about work zone safety and the activities taking place.
To learn more about Avery Dennison Reflective Solutions, visit us at: reflectives.averydennison.com.
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