Columbus, OH – As National Work Zone Awareness Week kicks off, Columbia Gas of Ohio is reminding drivers to follow good safety practices every time they encounter road work crews.
This year’s theme for National Work Zone Awareness Week, which runs April 21-25, is “respect the zone so we all get home.”
“In 2024, Columbia Gas of Ohio crews experienced 25 intrusions into our work zones, and we’re thankful those intrusions did not result in any injuries,” said Bob Heidorn, President & COO of Columbia Gas of Ohio. “When drivers speed through work zones or fail to observe the workers, they are literally putting lives at risk. We urge drivers to slow down and be patient so everyone can be safe.”
If you encounter work crews on the road, following these simple tips just might save a life:
- Expect the unexpected – Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may change, and people may be working on or near the road.
- Slow down – Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes.
- 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 one that says you’ve left the work zone.
- Obey road crew flaggers – A flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign, so you can be cited for disobeying directions.
- Stay alert and minimize distractions – Dedicate your full attention to the roadway. Remember, it is illegal to use or hold a cell phone while driving in Ohio.
For more information about Columbia Gas of Ohio’s focus on safety, please visit ColumbiaGasOhio.com/Safety.
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About Columbia Gas of Ohio
Columbia Gas of Ohio delivers clean, dependable and efficient natural gas to approximately 1.5 million customers across the state. With headquarters in Columbus, it is the largest natural gas utility in Ohio. Columbia Gas of Ohio is one of six regulated utility companies of NiSource (NYSE: NI), one of the largest fully-regulated utility companies in the United States. NiSource employees are focused on our mission to deliver safe, reliable energy that drives value to our customers, and guided by our vision to be an innovative and trusted energy partner. More information about Columbia Gas of Ohio and NiSource, including its goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 2040, is available at www.ColumbiaGasOhio.com and www.NiSource.com.
