Work Zone Safety

On average, over 700 fatalities occur in work zones each year. National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is an annual spring campaign held at the start of each construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. The key message is for drivers to use extra caution in work zones.

This year, National Work Zone Awareness Week runs from April 21st through April 25th. Participate this week by refreshing your knowledge on how to stay extra aware in work zones and sharing this information with others.

Research Your Route:

Before hitting the road, research your intended route. When possible, avoid work zones and use any detours that are available. Minimizing the traffic in work zones helps keep both the driver and the worker safe.

Pay Attention:

You should always keep your eyes on the road. However, this is exceptionally important in work zones. Be aware of all signage throughout work zones that can indicate reduced speeds, lane changes, and other important information. Avoid distractions such as your cellphone, eating and drinking, the radio, GPS, and conversing with other passengers.

Slow Down:

Lane closures, traffic pattern shifts, and reduced speeds are common in work zones. Make sure to slow down when entering a work zone and keep an eye out for road workers.

Move Into the 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.

Keep Your Distance:

Rear-end crashes are extremely common in work zones. Maintain extra space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you at all times.

The bottom line is, work zone safety should not be ignored. Taking extra caution when driving through work zones is the best way to ensure that everyone makes it home safely at the end of the day.