NEWS

April brings two important reminders to everyone on the road—especially service truck operators: it’s National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 21–25) and Distracted Driving Awareness Month. That means it’s the perfect time to hit the brakes and think about safety.

If you’re operating a service truck, you already know that navigating through work zones requires your full attention. Add in the fact that many service truck drivers operate their businesses from the cab—answering calls, checking schedules, or looking at maps or computer screens—and it’s easy to see how distractions can sneak in.

Distracted Driving: It’s More Than Just Texting
When we talk about distracted driving, it’s not just texting or scrolling. It’s anything that takes your eyes, hands, or mind away from driving. That includes:

• Looking at a GPS or laptop
• Taking customer calls
• Eating on the go
• Reading notes or emails between job sites

For drivers working out of service trucks, these distractions can feel necessary—but they can also be deadly, especially in active work zones.

Why Work Zone Awareness Matters
Work zones are unpredictable. Lane changes, cones, flaggers, and reduced speed limits mean you need to stay sharp. Just one distracted moment can lead to a serious accident—not only putting you at risk, but also endangering roadside workers, other drivers, and your equipment.
On average over 120 road construction workers are killed each year on the job. Many of those were caused by distracted or inattentive driving.

Laws Across the U.S.: What You Need to Know
All 50 states have laws on the books regulating cellphone use while driving:

• 24 states and D.C. prohibit all drivers from using handheld cell phones.
• 48 states ban text messaging for all drivers.
• Most states enforce these laws as primary offenses—meaning law enforcement can pull you over for it alone.
• CDL holders face stiff penalties if caught holding a phone while driving, including fines or losing the CDL qualification altogether.

If your service truck takes you across state lines, make sure you know the local laws. Even if hands-free is allowed, staying off your phone completely while driving is the safest move.

You’re Not Alone
Whether you’re an independent operator or part of a fleet, we know the hustle is real. But your safety matters—not just during Work Zone Awareness Week, but every day you’re behind the wheel.

So, here’s your reminder: slow down, stay alert, and drive distraction-free. Let’s make April a safer month for everyone on the road.