(Columbus, Ohio) – April 15, 2024 – Columbia Gas and other organizations throughout Ohio are promoting National Work Zone Awareness Week April 15-19 by encouraging motorists to slow down, stay alert, and respect work zone directives to help prevent work zone incidents and fatalities.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there have been more than 25,000 work zone crashes and 98 crash-related work zone deaths since 2019, with most crashes occurring between Monday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
To help reduce the number of work zone-related incidents and ensure the safety of both workers and motorists, here are some safe driving practices everyone should consider when getting behind the wheel.
- Plan ahead. Research your route, and if you think you may need to drive through a work zone to get to your destination, consider taking a detour.
- Slow down. Reduce your speed to comply with the work zone speed limit and give extra space to workers if possible.
- Maintain your distance. Rear-end crashes are common in work zones, and you can avoid a crash by increasing your following distance and by looking ahead.
- Avoid distractions. When driving through work zones, give the road your full attention. Avoid distractions like eating, drinking, and talking to passengers.
- Put the phone down. Do not use your phone in a work zone, or anywhere while operating a vehicle.
To help deter distracted driving, state lawmakers passed Ohio House Bill 288, making it illegal for drivers to use or hold a cell phone or electronic device while driving. The law took effect in April 2023, allowing officers to pull over any driver they see holding a phone while behind the wheel. Drivers may incur penalties from $150 to $500 and a potential 90-day license suspension, with fines doubled if the violation occurs in a work zone.
For additional work zone crash statistics and information on the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s new Work Zone Dashboard, visit Ohio State Highway Patrol Unveils New Work Zone Dashboard | Ohio State Highway Patrol.
