BATON ROUGE, La. – As spring arrives, so does the busiest season for roadwork, bringing a surge of upgrades, repairs, and maintenance to interstates, highways, and streets. But with more construction comes greater danger, making driver awareness and caution essential.
National Work Zone Awareness Week, held April 21-25, highlights the importance of safe driving in work zones. Louisiana’s largest workers’ comp insurance carrier, LWCC, is urging motorists to do their part in protecting both road crews and fellow commuters. Slowing down, staying alert, and driving with caution can significantly reduce struck-by incidents—the leading cause of nonfatal injuries and the second-highest cause of death in the construction industry.
This year’s campaign, themed “Respect the Zone So We All Get Home,” serves as a reminder that as highway construction ramps up, so does the risk of crashes and road fatalities. Staying focused and cautious behind the wheel can help keep everyone safe.
The most recent U.S. work zone crash statistics compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration from show 891 people died in work zones and 94 highway worker occupational fatalities occurred in road construction sites. Six fatal work zone crashes occurred in Louisiana, alone.
“This is the time of year when construction zones and holiday traffic come together, creating a risky environment for everyone,” says Damian Simoneaux, LWCC Safety Services Manager. “We encourage drivers to use extra caution to help not only protect themselves and their passengers, but also the hardworking crews on the job.”
Tips
- Stay attentive and avoid distractions, including handheld devices.
- Don’t tailgate. Keep a four-second (or greater) distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
- Expect the unexpected as workers or equipment may enter your lane without warning.
- Look ahead at a travel distance of at least 15 seconds.
- Be patient and stay calm
Reminders
- Construction signs, cones, barricades, and flaggers are there to protect workers and keep traffic moving safely.
- Warning signs, which are usually orange, alert drivers to upcoming construction zones.
- Orange warning signs alert drivers to upcoming construction zones.
- Speed limits are always reduced in roadside construction zones. For example, if the posted speed limit on an interstate is 70 mph, be prepared to slow down to 45 mph or 50 mph.
- Speed limits are often reduced in roadside construction zones. Be prepared to slow down and reduce speed.
- Drivers should be prepared for lane closures, detours, construction workers, and police officers directing traffic.
- Temporary structures like cones, barricades, and heavy equipment can reduce visibility and make it harder to anticipate changes in traffic flow.
At LWCC, the safety of all workers, on and off the road, is our top priority. Through our purpose to help Louisiana thrive, we remain committed to supporting both the hardworking individuals who build and maintain our infrastructure and the drivers who rely on these roadways every day. By practicing caution and respecting work zones, we can reduce accidents, protect lives, and ensure that everyone gets home safely. Together, we can create a safer environment for all, helping to drive Louisiana forward.
For more safety tips and other resources from LWCC, visit lwcc.com/safety
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