Apr 21, 2025
Today marks the beginning of Work Zone Awareness Week! This week is observed to bring awareness and prioritize safety on the roads.
Lee Chappell, the co-op’s director of safety & loss control, underscores the importance of this message. “In working for an electric cooperative, our crews often perform roadside work to maintain nearly 1,500 miles of line on our system. As we observe Work Zone Awareness Week, let's work together to prioritize safety on the roads, especially for roadside utility and construction crews.”
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) offers the following tips to safely navigate works zones:
Slow down
Focus and ditch the distractions
Use caution, stay alert
Follow the signs. Signs and flaggers will direct you through work zones. Expect changes in traffic patterns as a project progresses.
Watch out for workers and slow-moving equipment
Allow extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you
Expect speed limits to vary in work zones. Enhanced fines of up to $500 may be levied for speeding in a work zone.
Be patient. Crews are working to improve the safety and comfort of your travels.
Never change lanes in a work zone
Know before you go. Before starting a trip, visit 511Virginia.org for real-time information on traffic, lane closures, work zones and incidents.
Let's work together to ensure the safety of roadside workers and travelers alike.