To the Editor:
Every spring, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and other state DOTs recognize Work Zone Awareness Week to remind drivers of the importance of driving safely through work zones by slowing down and avoiding distractions. Join us as we promote National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 21-25, with our theme this year, “Respect the zone, so we all get home.” Whether you work on our roads or drive them every day, work zone safety is critically important to both workers and those driving through our work zones. In fact, most work zone deaths are motorists traveling through the work zone, not workers, so slowing down, eliminating distractions and paying close attention in work zones can help all of us.
Our employees and contractors put their lives on the line in work zones every day while working to improve travel for motorists in Virginia. This is true in mobile operations like mowing, paving and plowing snow, short-term work zones set up to replace bridges and culverts, as well as in our established work zones like I-81 for long-term construction projects. Although signs, cones, barrels and safety vests can be effective in warning motorists of a work zone, these tools are no protection against a fast-moving vehicle or an inattentive driver.
All motorists — whether a seasoned driver or someone new behind the wheel — should follow these instructions when driving through a work zone:
Work zones are a sign to slow down.
If you see the orange work zone warning signs, be alert for changing road conditions ahead.
Eliminate distractions and stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
Follow Virginia’s phone down and move over laws.
In addition, to show support for National Work Zone Awareness Week and our crews who work inside them every day, VDOT encourages you to participate in these activities during the week:
Show us your ORANGE! Wednesday, April 23 is national “Go Orange Day.” Everyone is encouraged to wear orange in support of work zone safety across the country. Share your pictures with us on Twitter and Facebook! #GoOrangeVa
Attend the vigil at the VDOT Worker’s Memorial on Afton Mountain on Wednesday, April 23 at 1 p.m.
Follow us all week long and share our stories and content on the Facebook VDOT Salem District group page at www.facebook.com/groups/VDOTSalem and X @VaDOTSalem.
Join our team to keep our roads and work zones safe for everyone. Let’s work together so we can all arrive at home safely each and every day.
-Ken King, P.E.
District Engineer
VDOT Salem District
