Caution on Hwy 78

The Importance of Work Zone Safety

Utility crews are currently working along Highway 78 to upgrade and maintain essential company-owned cable infrastructure. This State regulated project is needed to provide reliable service, but it also places workers in close proximity to moving traffic. For this reason, we are reminding all motorists to slow down, stay alert, and exercise caution when traveling through work zones.

Work zones present unique hazards for both utility employees and drivers. Narrowed lanes, shifted traffic patterns, construction equipment, and crews working near the roadway require heightened awareness. National traffic safety data shows that thousands of crashes occur in work zones each year, many resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. Importantly, most of these incidents involve drivers and passengers, not only roadside workers.

Slowing down and paying attention is the single most effective way to reduce risks for everyone on the road.

To protect both workers and the traveling public, we urge drivers to:

• Reduce speed immediately when approaching a work zone.

• Obey all posted signage and directions from flaggers.

• Remain alert and eliminate distractions, such as mobile devices.

• Maintain a safe following distance and be prepared for sudden stops.

• Allow additional travel time to accommodate slower traffic conditions.

As utility work continues along local roadways, we ask all drivers to remain patient and cautious. A brief delay or reduced speed is a small sacrifice compared to the potential consequences of speeding through a work zone.