National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is an annual spring campaign held at 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. NWZAW will be held April 17-21 and is hosted by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). The 2023 theme is, "You play a role in work zone safety. Work with us.”

In 2020, 857 people were killed in 774 fatal work zone crashes, according to the most recent data available from www.workzonesafety.org

What many people may not know is that the vast majority of people killed in work zone crashes are motorists and their passengers. In 2020, 117 workers died in work zones, making it all the more important for drivers to slow down and stay focused while approaching and passing through a roadway work zone.

Everyone plays a role in work zone safety. NWZAW highlights the deadly dangers of inattention at highway work areas. The 2023 weeklong commemoration includes:

• Work Zone Safety Training Day - April 17
• National kickoff event - April 18
• Go Orange Day - April 19
• Social media storm - April 20
• Moment of Silence – April 21

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides a few tips to help drivers navigate work zones safely:

• Research your route before setting out on the road. When possible, avoid work zones and use any detours that are available
• Pay attention and avoid distractions. Be aware of signage that indicate reduced speeds and changes in traffic patterns
• Slow down and keep an eye out for road workers
• When approaching lane closures, move to the open lane as soon as possible
• Keep your distance and maintain extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Rear-end crashes are extremely common in work zones

Credit to: American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

HazTek Inc. is a leading provider of comprehensive safety management services designed to protect workers by enhancing workplace safety. We offer professional, classroom-based training on more than 75 different topics – including a Work Zone Flagger class. For additional information or to learn more about HazTek’s services, please contact us at 888.842.9835, email us at info@haztekinc.com, or visit our website at www.haztekinc.com