Five Ways You Can Save a Highway Worker’s Life

Each year, hundreds of highway workers travel to job sites to repair and improve our nation’s streets, bridges, and highways, but never make it home. Their deaths are not only unacceptable. They’re preventable.

By following these tips when you’re in a construction area, YOU can save a life:

Slow Down

Posted speed limits are there for a reason. With workers on the road, you need to give yourself the ability to stop in time. Drive responsibly and be a conscientious road user.

Look for Bright Colors

Heed the warnings of the workers wearing bright-colored vests, follow their instructions directing you where to go and watch for cones, barrels, and large construction vehicles.

Maintain Distance

Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you — ideally between two and three car lengths — so that you can avoid or minimize danger from having to stop suddenly.

Stay Alert

Distracted driving kills. That means eyes off your phone, fellow passengers, or anything else that keeps your eyes from the road. Remember: work zones change all the time. Even if you pass one every day, you should treat it as if you’re encountering it for the first time.

Keep an Eye out for Trucks

Sudden lane changes in front of trucks can end in a multiple vehicle crash. It’s easier for you to slow down than them, so make sure to only change lanes when you’ve got a proper amount of time and space.

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This year, during National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW, April 26–30), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration are joining state Departments of Transportation and other organizations nationwide to urge drivers to keep highway workers safe as construction activities increase.

FHWA and its partners are also urging the public to wear orange on Wednesday, April 28, for Go Orange Day to show their support for highway workers.

To learn more, follow FHWA on Twitter, and use hashtags #NWZAW, #Orange4Safety and #OrangeForSafety.