In the heart of Virginia, the bustling highways are the arteries that connect our communities, yet the safety of our workers and the traveling public stands as a paramount concern. It’s a sobering reality that, in our industry, the only barrier between our employees and potential harm is often just a piece of plastic: a traffic cone or barrel. This stark image serves as a constant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced in work zones, where everyday individuals work diligently to improve our infrastructure, all while being a step away from a traveling public that is increasingly distracted. As President of Superior Paving, I’m often asked what keeps me up at night, and my answer is always the same: the safety of our people. The responsibility weighs heavily on my shoulders, knowing that each person under my watch is someone’s son, daughter, mother, or father. The significance of sending every employee home safely cannot be overstated; there should never be an empty seat at the dinner table. Never. Especially due to a preventable incident. Yet, despite our best efforts, the rising number of work zone incidents suggest that our current approach might be treating the symptoms rather than curing the disease. We add more signs, increase fines, and conduct public awareness campaigns—necessary measures, but are they enough? Are we truly addressing the root cause or merely applying a bandage to a persisting wound? The statistics prove that these strategies are not enough. Therefore, we must fundamentally change how we operate work zones by closing roads to traffic and eliminating the risk altogether. That is attacking the cause. It’s a bold proposition that requires significant logistical planning and public cooperation, but isn’t the safety of our workers and the traveling public worth it? The challenge we face is not insurmountable. It calls for innovation, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of safety. It demands that we look beyond traditional methods and consider how we can fundamentally change the work zone environment to protect those within and around it. This is not just a call to action for the Virginia Asphalt Association, the Department of Transportation, or law enforcement; it’s CHAIRMAN’S PERSPECTIVE Beyond the Cones: A Call to Action for Work Zone Safety David A. White, President, Superior Paving Corp. a plea to every driver, every community member, and every stakeholder in the state of Virginia to help put safety first. We must collectively strive for a future where work zone safety is not just a priority but a non-negotiable standard. A future where the implementation of comprehensive safety measures transcends compliance and becomes a testament to our commitment to human life. This vision for a safer tomorrow begins with each of us today. It starts with acknowledging the gravity of our responsibility and the critical need to address the root causes of work zone dangers. Let’s unite in our efforts to innovate, educate, and advocate for safer work zones, not just for the sake of rule- following but for the preservation of lives. The journey ahead is daunting, but the goal is clear; together, we can transform the landscape of work zone safety, ensuring that every worker returns home safely, and that every journey through our roadways is a secure passage. Let’s make this our collective mission for the sake of every child and parent waiting with anticipation for their loved ones to come home. It’s a sobering reality that, in our industry, the only barrier between our employees and potential harm is often just a piece of plastic: a traffic cone or barrel. This stark image serves as a constant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced in work zones, where everyday individuals work diligently to improve our infrastructure, all while being a step away from a traveling public that is increasingly distracted. 06 SPRING/SUMMER 2024
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