Iowa American Water Highlights Safety and Work Zone Awareness Week
DAVENPORT, IA – April 17, 2023 – As the construction season ramps up, Iowa American Water joins utilities and organizations across the country to highlight National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), which runs from April 17-21, 2023. NWZAW was launched more than 20 years ago to raise public awareness about work zone safety and the importance of using extra caution when traveling through work zones to keep roadway workers and motorists safe.
According to the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse, there were 774 fatal crashes nationwide in work zones resulting in 857 deaths in 2020. Seven of these work zone fatalities were in Iowa, and just last weekend, another work zone fatality occurred on Interstate 80 in Bettendorf.
“In 2022, Iowa American Water invested over $34 million in its infrastructure,” said Brad Nielsen, Vice President of Operations for Iowa American Water. “That means our employees and contractor crews are spending many work hours on the road performing critical jobs that help keep life flowing in the communities we are privileged to serve.”
Keep these tips, from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in mind when traveling in work zones:
- Slow down: Follow posted speed limits. Adjust your speed for traffic flows and weather conditions. Keep an eye out for road workers and their equipment.
- Keep your distance: Don’t tailgate. Leave at least three seconds or more (depending on your speed) of braking room between you and the vehicle in front of you.
- Move into an open lane: When approaching lane closures, move into the open lane as soon as possible. Be sure to pay close attention to vehicles around you that could be in your blind spot.
- Pay attention and stay alert: Be prepared for sudden stops. Avoid changing radio stations and using cell phones.
- Be patient and make safety your priority.
“We want our crews to return home safely after each day’s work, so we more than welcome the opportunity to spotlight the importance of work zone safety this week and all year long,” Nielsen added.
Iowa American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 213,000 people. For more information, visit www.iowaamwater.com and follow Iowa American Water on Twitter and Facebook.
About American Water
With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs approximately 6,500 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to an estimated 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable, and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and diversityataw.com. Follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
DAVENPORT, IA – April 17, 2023 – As the construction season ramps up, Iowa American Water joins utilities and organizations across the country to highlight National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), which runs from April 17-21, 2023. NWZAW was launched more than 20 years ago to raise public awareness about work zone safety and the importance of using extra caution when traveling through work zones to keep roadway workers and motorists safe.
According to the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse, there were 774 fatal crashes nationwide in work zones resulting in 857 deaths in 2020. Seven of these work zone fatalities were in Iowa, and just last weekend, another work zone fatality occurred on Interstate 80 in Bettendorf.
“In 2022, Iowa American Water invested over $34 million in its infrastructure,” said Brad Nielsen, Vice President of Operations for Iowa American Water. “That means our employees and contractor crews are spending many work hours on the road performing critical jobs that help keep life flowing in the communities we are privileged to serve.”
Keep these tips, from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in mind when traveling in work zones:
- Slow down: Follow posted speed limits. Adjust your speed for traffic flows and weather conditions. Keep an eye out for road workers and their equipment.
- Keep your distance: Don’t tailgate. Leave at least three seconds or more (depending on your speed) of braking room between you and the vehicle in front of you.
- Move into an open lane: When approaching lane closures, move into the open lane as soon as possible. Be sure to pay close attention to vehicles around you that could be in your blind spot.
- Pay attention and stay alert: Be prepared for sudden stops. Avoid changing radio stations and using cell phones.
- Be patient and make safety your priority.
“We want our crews to return home safely after each day’s work, so we more than welcome the opportunity to spotlight the importance of work zone safety this week and all year long,” Nielsen added.
Iowa American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 213,000 people. For more information, visit www.iowaamwater.com and follow Iowa American Water on Twitter and Facebook.
About American Water
With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs approximately 6,500 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to an estimated 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable, and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and diversityataw.com. Follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.