Work zones are a sign to slow down
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) will be observed April 11-15 with this year’s theme of “Work Zones are a Sign to Slow Down.”
The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is asking motorists to observe NWZAW and prepare to safely drive through work zones across Idaho.
As part of NWZAW, Idahoans are encouraged to participate in Go Orange Day on April 13 by wearing orange as a visual reminder of work zones. Photos can be posted on social media using the hashtags #NWZAW and #GoOrange4Safety.
The awareness week ends with a moment of silence on April 15 for people killed in work zone incidents.
Statistics from the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse demonstrate the importance of work zone safety and participating in NWZAW to spread the message that everyone has a role in getting roadway workers home safely.
- There were 762 fatal crashes in work zones resulting in 842 deaths in 2019.
- Of the 842 fatalities in 2019, 135 were roadway workers.
- Most people killed in work zones were motorists, passengers, and pedestrians.
NWZAW has been observed for more than 20 years and was launched as a public awareness campaign to help everyone understand they play a role in keeping motorists and roadway workers safe.
As construction season kicks off around the state, it’s important for drivers to remember that work zones come in all shapes and sizes. They can be long or short duration and can occur anywhere, from the middle of a large city to even the most rural routes. ITD encourages all motorists to plan ahead, follow signs, and drive engaged each time they get behind the wheel.
To learn more about NWZAW, visit nwzaw.org.
