Put the Phone Down. We’re Out Here Working.
Every day, our crews lace up their boots, climb into equipment, and step out onto roads across Illinois to rebuild, repave, and restore the infrastructure we rely on to get to and from our destinations. It’s gritty work, early mornings, long hours, and a shared sense of pride that comes from knowing we’re making something that lasts and connects our communities, together.
But for all the planning, precision, and teamwork we bring to the job site, there’s one thing we can’t control: distracted drivers.
A Split Second Can Change Everything
At PT Ferro, we want to use this time to shed light on a risk that hits close to home. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),
“As of 2024, distracted driving continues to be a leading cause of road accidents, with over 3,000 deaths in the U.S. alone directly attributed to n 14% of all traffic-related fatalities in 2024.” And it’s not just about texting. Eating, adjusting the radio, GPS input, even daydreaming, anything that takes your eyes, hands, or mind off the road, counts.
In a work zone, that risk multiplies. Our people are often just feet from traffic, with nothing but cones and signs separating them from vehicles. We’ve seen near-misses. We’ve heard the stories. Some of us have lived through the aftermath.
This isn’t just about statistics. It’s about our laborers, operators, foremen, truck drivers, and flaggers, men and women with families waiting for them at home. A moment of distraction behind the wheel can mean a lifetime of consequences for someone else.
What YOU Can Do Right Now
Let’s keep this simple.
- Put the phone away. Silence it. Glovebox it. Whatever it takes to keep your hands off it while you drive.
- Slow down in work zones. Speeds are reduced for a reason; people are working just beyond the barrel line.
- Follow signage and flaggers. They’re there to keep you, and us, safe.
- Stay focused. One missed cue, one second of inattention, can change someone’s life forever.
We’re Not Just Building Roads, We’re Building Awareness
We believe that safety is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you’re behind the wheel or behind the barrel line, we all play a part in keeping each other safe.
So, this April, we’re asking you to drive like someone you love is on that road because chances are, they are.
Let’s honor Distracted Driving Awareness Month not just with words, but with action. Let’s make our roads safer for the people who work on them, and for the people we all go home to.
In a work zone, that risk multiplies. Our people are often just feet from traffic, with nothing but cones and signs separating them from vehicles. We’ve seen near-misses. We’ve heard the stories. Some of us have lived through the aftermath.
Coming Up: National Work Zone Awareness Week
As we recognize Distracted Driving Awareness Month, we also want to remind everyone that National Work Zone Awareness Week (WZAW) is coming up April 15–19, 2025. This annual event shines a national spotlight on the importance of work zone safety and the lives of the workers behind the cones.
Stay tuned as we share more throughout the week, stories from the field, tips to stay safe, and ways you can join us in protecting the people building your roads.
Work zones are someone’s workplace. Let’s treat them that way.
