Editor’s Note: What all drivers can do

Although it happened many years ago, I’ll always remember sitting in my car on the shoulder of Interstate 65 in Indiana, waiting for roadside assistance.

The tow truck was slow to arrive, so I spent tense hours with my eyes glued to the rearview mirror as other drivers rocketed past with what seemed like mere feet to spare, my car shaking as each one went by.

I think about that when I’m driving through roadway work zones, especially those that have only a narrow concrete barrier – and sometimes not even that – between construction workers and passing vehicles. I’m sure we’ve all been part of work zone traffic in which, when visible enforcement isn’t present, drivers barely slow down. I think about the workers, who surely are aware that every year in the United States, some of their fellow roadway workers are struck and killed.

This month, Barry Bottino reports on two events that happen every April to raise awareness about what everyone who drives can do to help prevent roadway-related crashes and deaths. National Work Zone Awareness Week will take place April 15-19. Barry spoke with an official from the Maryland Department of Transportation, which is hosting this year’s observance. He also calls attention to Distracted Driving Awareness Month, which is led by the National Safety Council. Check out Barry’s article to learn more and go to nsc.org/justdrive for free resources.

Safety pros spend their careers making sure their workers get home safely. By sharing the messages of National Work Zone Awareness Week and Distracted Driving Awareness Month, you can help even more people stay safe.

Thanks for all you do.

The opinions expressed in “Editor’s Note” do not necessarily reflect those of the National Safety Council or affiliated local Chapters.