April 17-21 is National Work Zone Awareness Week 2023

The annual National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) campaign is held every spring to coincide with the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. The key message is for drivers to use extra caution in work zones. The theme for 2023 is "You play a role in work zone safety. Work with us.”

Summer and fall are the peak seasons for road construction. Road work is an extremely dangerous occupation. Motorists often speed through work zones in excess of posted speed limits; they are distracted and don’t focus on the road around them. Though these habits create dangerous situations when conditions are ideal, the risks increase when entering work zones. The awareness campaign aims to alert drivers and better protect drivers and workers.

In 2020, Caltrans said nearly 7,000 work-zone crashes occurred on California roadways,

resulting in more than 3,000 injuries and nearly 100 fatalities. Nationally, drivers and passengers account for 85 percent of people killed in work zones.

California’s “Move Over” law requires all drivers to move over a lane if safe to do so, or if unable to do so safely, slow down when they see amber flashing lights on Caltrans vehicles, law enforcement, and other emergency vehicles and tow trucks. Failure to obey the “Move Over” law can result in fines up to $1,000, plus points on your driving record.

HOW TO OBSERVE #WorkZoneAwarenessWeek

• When driving, be alert to signs that a construction zone is ahead.

• Follow the directions on any signs to stop, merge or slow down.

• Watch for flag persons who will direct you through work zones.

• Follow on social media #NWZAW or #WorkZoneAwarenessWeek.

• Visit www.nwzaw.org to learn more.

Go Orange Day

Wednesday, April 19, 2023 All roadway safety professionals across the country are encouraged to wear orange to proudly show their support of work zone safety. NWZAW and Go Orange Day are especially important to the families of victims who have lost their lives in work zones. Show your support on social media by posting your orange pics and use the hashtags #NWZAW and #Orange4Safety.