Orange cones, flashing lights, and warning signs all indicate a work zone on the road ahead. Within these zones are men and women doing work like road construction, working on power lines, or trimming trees. Unfortunately, hundreds of these workers are injured every year from work and road hazards. Safe Electricity urges motorists to slow down and pay attention in work zones while driving.

"Keeping a safe distance between your car and the construction workers and equipment, driving the posted work zone speed limit, and using your four-way flashers when stopping or traveling slowly can help reduce accidents in work zones," says Erin Hollinshead, executive director of the Energy Education Council's Safe Electricity program.

To help prevent fatalities and injuries, Safe Electricity recommends the following guidelines while driving:

• Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and traffic barriers, trucks, construction equipment, and workers.
• Be patient. Traffic delays are sometimes unavoidable, so try to allow time for unexpected occurrences in your schedule.
• Obey all signs and road crew flag instructions.
• Merge early and be courteous to other drivers.
• Use your headlights at dusk and during inclement weather.
• Minimize distractions. Avoid activities such as operating a radio or eating while driving.

When you are making travel plans, keep in mind that many states also provide road construction information on their respective department of transportation websites that can be consulted before starting a trip. If you know that you are going to be traveling through a work zone, give yourself a little extra time to get to your destination, or you can find an alternate route.

Be aware of the legislation in your area. Many states have hefty fines or even jail time for violating traffic laws in work zones.

"Power poles and electrical equipment line our streets and highways, and narrow roadways often require crews to place their equipment in traffic lanes," Hollinshead says. "Their work activities are often taken for granted but benefit us all, and like everyone, they deserve a safe workplace. Be alert to utility crews and other work zone workers for their safety as well as yours."

Don't make the jobs of road workers, electric utility linemen, and tree trimmers more dangerous. Drive safely. For more safety information, visit SafeElectricity.org.