Today, the West Virginia Trucking Association and their national counterpart, the American Trucking Associations, are urging motorists to slow down and pay attention while driving through work zone areas. With National Work Zone Awareness Week 2014 marking the 15th anniversary of this life-saving safety campaign, elite drivers with millions of accident-free miles are educating the public on how to stay safe. 

National Work Zone Awareness Week 2014 runs from April 7-11.

Jan Vineyard, president of the West Virginia Trucking Association, said, “While we’re all glad winter is over, it’s now time for road crews to get back out on the roads and highways to fix the damage caused by snow and ice and to provide general maintenance.  All motorists should be on the lookout for work zones and drive safely at all times.”

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. With four of every five victims in a work zone crash being motorists, these tips can help save lives on our nation's highways.

Work Zone Driving 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. 
• 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. 
• Keep a Safe Distance from Construction Workers – and equipment. 
• Pay Attention to Posted Signs – Warning signs are there to help guide you, use them.
• Stay Alert and Avoid Distracted Driving – Work zones present extra challenges and 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 Patient – Work zone crew members are working to improve the road and make your future drive better.
• 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.  

“Motorists need to slow down and take caution when driving through work zones,” said America's Road Team Captain and Con-way Freight driver Bryan Wold. “Reducing speed, paying attention and keeping a safe distance from other motorists and workers will help move everyone through the construction areas safely.”

The America's Road Team would like to remind the motoring public that from driveway to highway, safety requires patience and dedication.

The National Work Zone Awareness Week is a national campaign conducted at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway construction sites. It is observed nationally by state, local and federal transportation officials to coincide with the start of highway construction season.

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.