As the days lengthen and construction season begins, we enter a month that serves as a good reminder to always keep safety at the top of mind while on the roads– Distracted Driver Awareness Month.

For those of us in the road construction industry, this month highlights the critical importance of safety on our nation’s roads as the industry begins to ramp up its construction projects. In this blog post, we discuss the significance of Distracted Driver Awareness Month and how it aligns with our firm commitment to safety for both the traveling public and our hardworking men and women in construction.

• 8% of fatal crashes, 14% of injury crashes, and 13% of all police-reported motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2021 were reported as distraction-affected crashes.
• In 2021 there were 3,522 fatalities and an estimated additional 362,415 people injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving distracted drivers.
• 5% of all drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes in 2021 were reported as distracted at the time of the crashes.
• 7% of drivers 15 to 20 years old involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted at the time of the fatal crashes.
• In 2021, over 105,000 work zone crashes were estimated to have occurred resulting in over 42,000 injuries and 954 work zone fatalities.¹

At PT Ferro, safety isn’t just a priority – it’s a core value embedded in everything we do. From our seasoned engineers to our frontline workers, safety mindfulness is non-negotiable. We take extra care in including regular inspections of our equipment, conduct regular Toolbox Talks, and give our employees the resources to stay educated and knowledgeable about safety to help lower any incidences that may come up in the workplace. From reflective gear and traffic cones to our dedication to safety training, every measure is taken to protect our team members and the traveling public.

Educating the Community:

Distracted Driver Awareness Month provides us with a platform to amplify our safety messages and educate the community on the dangers of distracted driving. Through targeted outreach programs, social media campaigns, and community events, we aim to raise awareness and promote safer driving habits. By fostering dialogue and sharing resources, we empower individuals to make informed choices behind the wheel.

As advocates for safer roads, we recognize that meaningful change requires collaboration. The construction industry makes great effort by working alongside government agencies, law enforcement, advocacy groups, and other industry stakeholders to drive policy reforms and implement innovative solutions. By working together, we can address the root causes of distracted driving and create a safer environment for all road users.

Check out some of these resources that can help empower you to raise your voice on distracted driving and how to keep you, your community, and your team safe. https://www.nsc.org/road/distracted-driving-awareness-month/ddam-materials

Looking Ahead:

As we commemorate Distracted Driver Awareness Month, let us renew our commitment to safety and vigilance on the roads. Together, we can create a future where every journey is free from distraction and danger. Pt Ferro stands firm in our resolve to build quality roads, but also a much safer community and workplace.

In conclusion, Distracted Driver Awareness Month serves as an important reminder of the significance of safety in our industry. Through proactive measures, community engagement, and a strong safety culture, we can pave the way to a safer future for all.

Join us in spreading awareness and making every mile a safer one.
Remember, safety starts with you. Stay focused. Stay safe.

PT Ferro Construction Co. – Building Roads, Building Safety.