Be a Considerate Driver in Work Zones Say Elite Professional Drivers

ARLINGTON, Va., April 12, 2016  /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, American Trucking Associations and America's Road Team are urging motorists to be acutely aware of work zones in order to be safe on the nation's highways. As part of National Work Zone Awareness Week, America's Road Team Captains, elite drivers with millions of accident-free miles, are providing safe driving tips to keep both motorists and workers safe during this spring's construction season.

"The men and women working to improve highways and build infrastructure are committed to getting each of us home safely, which is why as a professional truck driver, I think all drivers should pay close attention to safety when entering work zones," said America's Road Team Captain Paul Savill, of UPS Freight. "Slowing down and not being distracted are two life-saving habits that we are working to promote."

National Work Zone Awareness Week, now in its 17th year, happens every April to encourage safe driving during the springtime resurgence of construction projects along roadways. This year's theme, "Don't Be That Driver" emphasizes the message that all drivers should be constantly focused and prepared for challenging conditions in and around work zones.

America's Road Team Captains, professional truck drivers selected for their impressive driving records and commitment to safety, are sharing their wealth of experience from the road: 

Work Zone Safety Tips for Motorists

• Expect the Unexpected – Speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed, and people may be working on or near the road.
• Be Patient and Considerate – Work zone crew members are working to improve the road and make your future drive better and safer.
• Slow Down – Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes.
• Don't Tailgate – Keep a safe following distance between you and the car ahead.
• Pay Attention to Posted Signs – Warning signs are there to help guide you, use them.
• Stay Alert and Avoid Distracted Driving – Work zones present uncommon obstacles. Motorists need to pay attention to the road and their surroundings.
• Plan Your Trip – Schedule your trip with plenty of extra time. Expect delays and leave early so you are not anxious while driving.
• Be Aware of Blind Spots – Trucks have large blind spots in front, back and either side. Try to avoid lingering in this space and do not cut in front of a truck.

"We're all trying to be as safe as possible out on the roads, so we owe it to the construction workers to take further precautions when we're traveling through their work zones," said America's Road Team Captain and professional driver with Walmart Transportation Charlie Demchock. "With better roads, future trips become even safer and I appreciate the work those men and women do to make my job as a professional truck driver easier."

*Editors: ATA's America's Road Team Captains are available for interviews regarding National Work Zone Awareness Week.

The America's Road Team, sponsored by Volvo Trucks, is a national public outreach program led by a small group of professional truck drivers who share superior driving skills, remarkable safety records and a strong desire to spread the word about safety on the highway.www.americasroadteam.com.

American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight. Follow ATA on Twitter or on Facebook. Trucking Moves America Forward

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SOURCE American Trucking Associations

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