National Work Zone Awareness Week

National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) was established in 1997 and officially began in 2000 in Springfield, Virginia. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) staff in southwestern Virginia sought to raise employees’ awareness of work zone safety. Since its inception, the initiative has successfully promoted safety in work zones.

What Are the Risks of Work Zones?

Working in road work zones poses significant dangers due to the closeness of workers to moving traffic and heavy construction equipment. Here are some notable risks:

• Vehicles: Workers risk being struck by passing motorists who may be speeding, distracted, or impaired. Changes in lane configurations, reduced visibility, and unexpected stops in work zones can heighten this danger.
• Construction Equipment: Within the work zone, workers face the risk of being hit by various types of heavy machinery, including dump trucks, excavators, rollers, and pavers. This risk is particularly heightened during maneuvers, when backing up, or while the equipment is swinging.
• Falling Objects: Tools, equipment, or materials that fall from heights or are dislodged by moving machinery can seriously threaten workers below.
• Reduced Visibility: Working at night, in fog, dust, or poor weather conditions can significantly diminish visibility, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Distracted Driving by Motorists: Drivers focused on their phones, or other distractions may fail to notice workers or changes in road conditions, leading to potential crashes.

Raising Awareness

The key message is for drivers to use extra caution in work zones

Additional Caution

All drivers need to exercise additional caution when navigating through work zones. These areas often have various hazards, including changing road conditions, construction equipment, and workers present. Keeping a slower speed and being alert for any signs or signals indicating lane changes or detours can greatly enhance safety.

Work Zone Fatalities

Between 2021 and 2022, fatalities in work zones decreased by 7 percent, while overall roadway fatalities declined by 1.7 percent. The percentage of fatal work zone crashes involving rear-end collisions decreased; however, incidents involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and speeding increased. Additionally, fatalities among pedestrians and bicyclists in work zones saw a significant decrease of 16.6 percent in 2022 compared to 2021. 

NWZAW PARTNERS & SPONSORS

Safer Roads Save Lives

We at Transline Inc. fully support the initiative to promote traffic safety by offering Traffic Signs, Traffic Control/Work Zone Signs, and Maintenance Safety Apparel. The American Traffic Safety Services (ATSS) Foundation is a nonprofit that supports the loved ones of those impacted by work zone incidents. They even have work zone accessories to show your support for the foundation. For more information on the calendar of events and courses, please see below:

Work Zone Safety Training Day – April 21

National kickoff event – April 22

Go Orange Day – April 23

Social media storm – April 24

Moment of Silence – April 25.

The moment of silence was started in 2022 to remember the men and women whose lives were lost in a work zone incident.