Our Stories
A reminder for every driver: safer choices in work zones help protect you and the people who are working to improve our roads and utility infrastructure.
National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), recognized April 20-24, 2026, marks the start of construction season and reinforces a simple message: drivers should use extra caution in highway and street work zones. Whether you’re commuting, running errands, or traveling long distances, the choices you make behind the wheel can help ensure crews return home safely after each day’s work.
When approaching a work zone, remember these basics:
- Slow down. Follow posted speed limits and be prepared for sudden stops or lane shifts.
- Give yourself space. Increase following distance and avoid abrupt lane changes near workers and equipment
- Stay alert. Watch for signs, flaggers, cones, and changing traffic patterns.
Distracted driving: Every second matters
Here’s one quick way to think about how fast risk adds up: at 55 miles per hour, a vehicle travels more than 80 feet per second. Taking your eyes off the road for five seconds means you’ve gone more than 400 feet, which is longer than a football field.
In and around work zones, it’s especially important to keep your full attention on driving. Putting your phone away, minimizing distractions, and scanning farther ahead than usual can increase the time needed to react to changes.
For additional information on distracted driving learn more at: https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving.
Why this matters for our crews (and for you)
Our employees work in the community and spend a lot of time on the road. Your safety, and the safety of the crew working nearby, is important to us. When everyone slows down, leaves space, and remains focused, we reduce the chance of a close call turning into a life-changing event.
Work zone safety checklist
- Slow down and obey the posted speed limit.
- Give extra following distance, especially near cones, trucks, and equipment.
- Watch for workers and flaggers and follow their direction.
- Merge early when lanes end to avoid last-second lane changes.
- Put distractions away and keep your eyes moving.
Safety First
At American Water, safety is our top priority for every employee, customer, and community we serve. This includes physical and emotional safety, as well as health and well-being. Safety always comes first, without exception. One of our values, “Safety First,” guides our business and behavior and serves as a timely reminder during National Work Zone Awareness Week. Click here to learn more about American Water’s Values and Strategies.
Join us in keeping work zones safe
National Work Zone Awareness Week is a timely reminder, but the safest habits apply year-round. The next time you see cones, barrels, flashing lights, or a crew working nearby, take a breath, slow down, and give the work zone your complete attention. Those small choices help protect the people doing essential work in our communities and help everyone get home safely.
