Whether you’re a driver, passenger, bicyclist, or a pedestrian, roadway construction is something we’re all well accustomed to: The oncoming “Reduced speed ahead” sign and, in the near distance, road worker with a neon vest and hard hat on, holding a sign to tell drivers to slow down or stop.
Though their delays can inconvenient, we all know work zones exist to improve our roadway infrastructure, whether it’s widening roads to accommodate more travelers, or other efforts to reduce our times stuck in traffic. It is important, and of everyone’s utmost safety, to adhere to work zone signs and drive safely, and cautiously.
Still though, you’ll likely be hard-pressed to travel through a work zone and not witness another driver disobeying the caution signs. The result of that dangerous behavior? In 2016, 143 work zone workers were killed in driver-related collisions, an increase of 10% over 2015. Additionally, 635 drivers and passengers were killed in those incidents in 2016, an increase of 7% from 2015.
That’s why this week, April 9-13, is National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), an initiative developed in 1999 by the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), the Federal Highway Administration, and the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials to remind all that work zone safety is everyone’s responsibility.
“National Work Zone Awareness Week started very small, but it’s grown and expanded. The main goal is to expand knowledge and awareness to help improve safety,” Mitzi Osterhout, CFO and COO, ATSSA.
Osterhout said that a large reason why this awareness week exists is because of the number of work zone worker fatalities.
“Nobody wants to go [to someone’s] home, knock on the door, and have to tell a family that [their loved one] isn’t coming home,” she said, adding that sadly, business owners in this industry are increasingly having to do.
How to Increase Work Zone Safety
It’s not rocket science; slow down. Any safe driver should always be obedient to roadway signs, especially in work zones, and account for individuals, equipment, and other obstacles that are present in the area. Check the latest traffic conditions before you leave to rule out any surprises, when possible (road conditions may have changed since you last were on the road, too).
Here are FHWA's tips:
- Know before you go. Check your phone apps, agency websites, and the radio for the latest traffic information to ensure a safe and timely trip.
- Wear your seat belt. It is your best defense in a crash.
- Expect the unexpected. Work zones change often. The area you drove through yesterday may look different today.
- Avoid distractions. Distracted driving in a work zone can have deadly consequences. Put down your phone and keep your eyes on the road.
- Pay attention to other drivers. Narrowed traffic patterns provide less ability to maneuver around other vehicles safely. Paying attention can prevent the need for evasive actions in work zones.
- Don't speed or tailgate. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you and don't speed. Tailgating and speeding lead to crashes with other vehicles and field workers.
- Obey road crews and signs. Flaggers know how best to move traffic safely in work zones. The warning signs are there to help you and other drivers move safely.
- Be patient and stay calm. Work zone crew members are working to improve the road and make your future drive better. Stay calm and drive safely.
Want to learn more about NWZAW? Check out this calendar of events of what’s going on across the country. You can also check out the social media hashtags #NWZAW and #Orange4Safety.
Key Dates to Remember
The national kickoff day for NWZAW is April 10 at 10:30 a.m. CDT. “Go Orange Day” is April 11, which is the time for all supporters to wear orange to promote the week. ATSSA will also have a Facebook Live event at 12:30 p.m. EDT.
