National Work Zone Awareness Week, which takes place this year from April 21-25, is a timely reminder of the importance of safety in and around roadway work zones. This year’s theme, “Respect the zone so we all get home,” encapsulates a simple yet powerful message that resonates with motorists, pedestrians, and roadway workers alike.

For over 20 years, Work Zone Awareness Week has served as a crucial public awareness campaign to foster a culture of safety in work zones. It encourages us to take personal responsibility for the safety of not only those working on our roads but also our fellow travelers.

The Urgency of Safety

Work Zone Awareness Week began in 1997 when Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) employees decided that awareness surrounding work zone safety needed a dedicated focus. Before long, the idea gained traction, and the first national awareness campaign launched in 2000. The coalition, initiated by VDOT, the American Traffic Safety Services Association, the Federal Highway Administration, and the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials, has impacted how motorists view and interact with roadway construction and maintenance efforts.

The statistics related to work zone safety are alarming. In 2022 alone, there were 821 fatal crashes in work zones, resulting in 891 deaths. Among these tragedies, 94 were roadway workers who lost their lives while doing their jobs. Those numbers highlight the pressing need for increased awareness and compliance with safety protocols around work zones.

Work Zone Awareness Week encourages us to recognize these figures and act. Participating in the annual awareness campaign helps make our roadways safer for everyone.

Get Involved

This year, there are several ways for individuals and organizations to participate.

• Go Orange Day on April 23: Wear orange to represent your commitment to work zone safety. It’s a simple gesture that can ignite conversations about the importance of this week. Don’t forget to share your photos on social media using the hashtags #NWZAW and #GoOrange4Safety.
• Moment of Silence on April 25: Take a moment to honor those who have lost their lives in work zone incidents. Reflecting on these losses can deepen our commitment to safety on our roadways.
• Get Informed: Various state departments of transportation, federal agencies, and organizations will be sharing public service announcements and hosting events to promote work zone safety. Engage with these resources and encourage others to do the same.

The most vital takeaway from Work Zone Awareness Week is that safety is a shared responsibility. Your actions matter whether you’re behind the wheel or working on a road crew. So let’s work together to respect the zone and ensure everyone—workers and drivers alike—gets home safely.

To learn more about Work Zone Awareness Week and how to get involved, visit nwzaw.org.