LWCC Encourages Safety on Louisiana Roadways During Peak Construction Season

BATON ROUGE, La. –As temperatures rise across Louisiana, so does construction on our roads. That means more cones, more lane shifts, and more workers just feet away from passing traffic. For drivers, it may feel like a minor delay. For the men and women in those zones, it’s a matter of safety.

‍

With increased construction comes increased risk, and a moment of distraction or even a slight increase in speed can have serious consequences.

‍

National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 20-24, serves as a reminder of the importance of safe practices when driving through work zones. This Work Zone Awareness Week, LWCC, the largest workers’ compensation carrier in Louisiana, is reminding motorists that we can all do our part to protect road workers across the state.

‍

‍

“Every time you drive through a work zone, there are people nearby doing their job,” said Damian Simoneaux, LWCC Safety Services Manager. “Slowing down, staying alert, and following signage are simple actions, but they can be the difference between someone going home safely or not.”

‍

‍

This year’s campaign, “Safe Actions Save Lives,” encourages drivers to remain focused and alert behind the wheel. Everyone wants to arrive to their destinations quickly, but a little extra caution goes a long way to protect drivers, passengers, and road construction crews.

‍

According to the most recent U.S. work zone safety crash data compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, an average of 776 people die in work zone related accidents each year, and of those, 114 are workers in highway work zones.

‍

These are preventable accidents, often occurring because of speeding, rear-end collisions, or distractions. LWCC’s Safety Services team provides easy-to-remember tips and reminders for staying safe on the road:    

‍

Tips:

• Stay alert and avoid distractions while driving, including handheld devices.  

• Keep distance between you and the car in front of you. Tailgating is one of the leading causes of work zone incidents.  

• Always expect workers to be present in a work zone. Don’t ignore the signage to slow down.  

• Expect the unexpected. Workers or equipment can easily enter your lane without warning.  

• Be patient and stay calm. There is no sense in rushing through a work zone when the unthinkable can happen in an instant.  

‍

Reminders:

• Construction signs, cones and barricades, and flaggers are there to protect you and workers and to keep traffic moving safely. Warning signs are typically bright orange to alert drivers of upcoming construction zones.  

• Speed limits are always reduced in roadside construction zones, often with advance notice.

• Temporary structures, like cones, barricades, and equipment, can reduce visibility and make it challenging to anticipate changes in traffic flow.  

‍

At LWCC, the safety of Louisiana’s workforce is our priority, on and off the road. Our purpose is to help Louisiana thrive, and it takes all of us doing our part.. Practicing caution and respecting work zones can reduce accidents and make sure we all arrive home safely.

‍

Click here for more safety tips and other resources.  

‍