National Work Zone Awareness Week prompts safety tips for drivers

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- This week marks the beginning of National Work Zone Awareness Week. Colombia Gas of Virginia is reminding drivers to practice good driving safety when they encounter work crews.

National Work Zone Awareness Week runs from Monday April 21, to Friday April 25, with this years theme "Respect the zone so we all get home."

"For Columbia Gas of Virginia, in 2024, our employees experienced two work zone intrusions and, thankfully, no one was injured," said Colombia Gas of Virginia President and COO Jennifer Montague. "But that's two too-many close calls."

Colombia Gas of Virginia has shared some tips that they say might just save a life:

• Expect the unexpected: Normal speed limits may be reduced; traffic lanes may change; and people may be working on or near the road.
• Slow down: Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes.
• Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you and don't tailgate.
• Observe the posted signs until you see the one that says you've left the work zone.
• Obey road crew flaggers A flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign, so you can be cited for disobeying directions.
• Stay alert and minimize distractions

"This is one of the most dangerous jobs our employees have, so we really need drivers in the Commonwealth to help keep them safe," Montague said.

For information on driver and work zone safety, you can visit the Colombia Gas of Virginia website.