National Work Zone Awareness Week

Published on April 24, 2025

As warmer weather approaches, work to maintain and repair our roads will increase.  The Public Works Department would like to share some important work zone safety tips so we can all do our part to keep road workers safe and so that everyone can get to their destination safely:

• Slow down! Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes, serious injuries and fatalities.

• Expect the unexpected. Detours, traffic control devices, speed reductions and lane configuration changes are all common in work zones. Make sure you read all signage and watch the road ahead of you to avoid surprises.

• Don’t tailgate. Make sure there is enough distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you, so you have enough time to react in the event of a crash or sudden stoppage.

• Share the road.  Be on the lookout and courteous to other road users like pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists.

• Stay alert and put down your cell phone! Focus on your driving and minimize distractions like phones, loud music, and snacking while traveling through work zones.

• Plan ahead. Work zones can mean delays and longer travel times. Make sure you leave early enough to get to your destination on time when you know you’ll be going through a work zone.

According to data from the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse, there were 821 fatal crashes in work zones in 2022, resulting in 891 fatalities. The majority of those killed were motorists, passengers, and pedestrians.  Additionally in 2022, 94 roadway workers lost their lives in work zones. These statistics serve as a stark reminder of the importance of work zone safety and the critical role each individual plays in ensuring everyone on our roadways and those who work on them return home safely each day.

As we observe National Work Zone Awareness Week, we encourage the community to engage in this vital campaign. Together, we can spread awareness and promote safe driving behaviors that protects everyone that works on and uses our roadways.