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It's been said frequently since the beginning of road construction season, but it bears repeating. In fact, West Virginia Transportation Secretary Jimmy Wriston said it better than anyone else could have Monday when he issued the plea, "When you go through these work zones, you have GOT to slow down."
His statement came as state officials announced a fourth worker struck this year in a state highway work zone. So far, one contractor has been killed and three West Virginia Department of Highways workers have been hurt.
"Imagine, if you will, we're sitting here in my office working away, answering emails, taking care of documents and that kind of thing, and a semi-truck goes through this office at 70 miles an hour," Wriston said. "That's exactly what our workers are experiencing each and every day."
It doesn't have to be that way. All it takes is the willingness by drivers to pay attention and slow down as they enter work zones. The arrows, signs, cones and flashing lights should be enough to tip them off.
But too many are choosing to ignore the warnings, and the law.
"How could you possibly think it's OK to stick a key in the ignition, start your vehicle up, and drive through this office?" Wriston said, with precisely the level of frustration and anger the situation warrants. "That's exactly what you're doing when you go through a work zone. You can't tell me you don't see those work zones, because they're EVERYWHERE."
The people who go to work every day to improve the roads the rest of us rely on should not have to feel as though they are putting their lives on the line to get the job done.
It's so simple. Don't drive distracted -- and pay even more attention while approaching and driving through work zones. Slow down to below the posted speed limit and maintain proper distance from the vehicle in front of you.
No one's health or life is worth disregarding those basic responsibilities.