Support work zone safety during National Work Zone Awareness Week 2019
National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), in its 19th year, is a national public awareness campaign that spreads the message that we are all responsible for work zone safety. This year’s NWZAW is April 8-12, 2019, and this year’s theme is “Drive Like You Work Here”.
“When traveling through an active work zone, drivers are entering the ‘office’ of those working on the project and must be focused and eliminate all distractions,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Kevin Thibault. “From moving equipment to directing traffic, there is a lot of activity in these areas, and motorists need to be mindful. Safe work zones are a top priority for the Department, and we will be working with our law enforcement partners to ensure a safe environment.”
Recent statistics from the National Highway Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) show (from 2016 to 2017) a two percent increase in total work zone fatalities and increase from 668 to 710 total work zone crashes. Those startling statistics further demonstrate the importance of spreading awareness of work zone safety and participating in NWZAW to spread the message that we all play a role in getting roadway workers home safely.
Additionally, there were a total of 158,000 work zone crashes total in 2016—of which 42,000 were injury-involved crashes that resulted in 61,000 injuries – which underscores the need for further awareness of how to behave and drive safely in work zones.
“We know that everyone wants to get home to their families, pets and personal lives at the end of the day, and our FDOT workers and contractors are no different.” said FDOT District 1 Secretary LK Nandam, P.E. “Please slow down and use extra caution when driving through a work zone so that everyone gets home safely.” Whether you work in an office or on nation’s roadways, everyone deserves to get home safely.
As part of NWZAW, all are also encouraged to participate in Go Orange Day on April 10, a day where individuals are encouraged to wear orange as a visual reminder to others of work zones, and post photos of their Go Orange Day activities to further spread awareness of work zone safety. While fun, participation in Go Orange Day and NWZAW goes a long way in getting much needed attention on work zone safety.
State departments of transportation, federal agencies, and other organizations will be participating in NWZAW and Go Orange Day, putting out PSAs about work zone safety, and hosting events to highlight the issue. For additional information on the history of NWZAW, visit nwzaw.org/learn.
Be sure to participate in #NWZAW and #GoOrangeDay – Wednesday, April 10, 2019 – by spreading the message of work zone safety with your friends, family, and community, and by liking, commenting, and sharing on social media using the hashtags #NWZAW and #GoOrange4Safety. To learn more about NWZAW, visit nwzaw.org. #NWZAW #DriveLikeYouWorkHere #SaferRoadsSaveLives #GoOrange4Safety
