Slow down, Kentucky! In honor of National Work Zone Safety Week, April 15-19, Columbia Gas is urging motorists to help keep its employees and others working on Kentucky roadways and highways safe by using extreme caution in work zones.
Columbia Gas and representatives from Kentucky American Water, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government and Windstream joined Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton on April 11 as she proclaimed April 15 – April 19 Work Zone Awareness Week in Lexington.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear reported that in 2023, Kentucky recorded 1,251 highway work zone crashes that resulted in 247 injuries and 17 fatalities, nearly triple the number of fatalities in the previous year. It's a statistic Columbia Gas hopes will change with legislation passed by state legislators that will increase fines and other penalties for motorists who cause injury or death in a work zone.
Columbia Gas President & COO Kimra Cole said even a single work zone death is unacceptable.
“Our employees risk their lives in work zones across our service area to provide safe, reliable natural gas service to our customers,” she said. “It’s our responsibility as motorists to do our part to ensure that they and others who work in construction zones return home safely to their families at the end of each workday.”
As the weather improves, Kentucky drivers can expect to see more construction projects. Staying alert, slowing down and minimizing distractions are keys to protecting the safety of work zone crews.
Columbia Gas offers these tips for keeping workers safe:
Slow down – Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes. Respect the speed limits.
Expect the unexpected – Normal speed limits may be reduced; traffic lanes may change; and people may be working on or near the road.
Have patience – Work zones can be frustrating, but please remain calm.
Keep your distance – Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you, and don’t tailgate.
Pay attention to the signs – Observe the posted signs until you see the one that says you’ve left the work zone, even if you don’t see workers present.
Obey road crew flaggers – A flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign, so you can be cited for disobeying their directions.
Stay alert and minimize distractions – Dedicate your full attention to the road and avoid changing radio stations or using cell phones while driving.
Know before you go – Check out goky.ky.gov or use the free WAZE app for traffic and travel information. For a listing of major Columbia Gas projects, visit ColumbiaGasKy.com/projects. Select alternate routes, if possible, to avoid work zones. If the work zone cannot be avoided, expect delays and allow extra travel time.
For more information about Columbia Gas of Kentucky’s focus on safety, please visit www.ColumbiaGasKY.com/safety.
