Work Zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.
April 15th marked the kick-off of National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) (April 15-19). The event has been observed for more than 20 years and was launched as a public awareness campaign to help everyone understand they play a role in keeping motorists and roadway workers safe.
Go Orange Day
As part of NWZAW, Go Orange Day will take place Wednesday, April 17. On Go Orange Day individuals are encouraged to wear orange as a visual reminder of work zones. Photos can be posted on social media using the hashtags #NWZAW and #GoOrange4Safety.
Moment of Silence
As part of NWZAW, everyone is encouraged to observe a moment of silence on April 19 for people killed in work zone incidents. Statistics from the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse show there were 874 fatal crashes in work zones resulting in 956 deaths in 2021. In addition, 108 roadway workers were killed in work zones. The vast majority of people killed in work zones were motorists, passengers and pedestrians.
Work Zone Safety Tips
As temperatures raise and construction season begins, make your trip safer with these work zone safety tips from our partners at Caltrans:
- Be Work Zone Alert
- Do not speed in work zones; obey the posted speed limits.
- Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
- Watch for workers, drive with caution.
- Don’t change lanes unnecessarily.
- Avoid using mobile phones while driving in work zones.
- Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
- Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
- Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
- Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
- Anticipate lane shifts, and merge when directed to do so.
- Be Patient!
As this year’s National Work Zone Awareness Week theme says, “Work zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.” Please do your part in keeping roadways and work zones safe.
The Toll Roads Blog 