Motor vehicles have become an integral part of our lives, especially in rural areas where public transportation is non existent or in short supply.

In order for us to get to work, the grocery store or to a family or friend’s house for a gathering, we have to get behind the wheel.

Driving can be a fun privilege, but it’s also inherently dangerous.

Statistically speaking, driving is one of the safest ways to travel.

And while there is a level of danger associated with the operation of a piece of rolling steel that weighs several tons,  it’s not just the occupants of the vehicle that are at risk of injury.

For the most part, there aren’t many people on the side of Pearl River County roads, but at times we do see people who walk to their destination or their job requires them to be on the roadside to ensure asphalt and concrete is intact.

That fact puts those people at risk of being hit by a vehicle driven by a distracted driver.

Those men and women who work on our roads and also pedestrians shouldn’t have to worry if a distracted driver is coming their way.

When we are more intent on the screens of our phones or car stereos, our eyes are not on the road. That means this heavy machinery is covering long stretches of road, effectively out of control. With April being deemed Work Zone Awareness Month, it’s a good time to remind all Pearl River County motorists to not only keep their eyes on where they are going, but also watch for highway workers and pedestrians. But ultimately, safe driving practices should be something we keep in the top of our minds all year long, not just during one month in the spring.