Everyone deserves to get home safely. National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), in its 21st 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 26-30 with the theme of “Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives.”
Statistics from the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse show there were 762 fatal crashes in work zones resulting in 842 deaths in 2019. In addition, 135 roadway workers were killed in work zones in 2019. In Louisiana, there were 1,313 crashes in work zones resulting in 14 fatalities and 342 injuries in 2020. There are currently more than 30 active work zones on local and state owned roadways in Acadiana. Drivers need to be prepared to slow down, follow traffic control directions, and drive carefully and not distracted around roadway workers.
The statistics demonstrate the importance of work zone safety and participating in NWZAW to spread the message that everyone plays a role in work zone safety. It is critical for motorists to safely navigate through work zones so they and roadway workers make it safely home to their families each day. National numbers from 2018 show there were 123,000 work zone crashes—31,000 of which injury-involved crashes resulting in 45,000 injuries—underscoring the need to observe work zone speeds and eliminate distractions when approaching and driving through work zones.
As part of NWZAW, all are also encouraged to participate in Go Orange Day on Wednesday, April 28, a day when individuals are encouraged to wear orange as a visual reminder to others of work zones. They are also encouraged to 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. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is running two contests to promote Work Zone Awareness, a Vested Photo Contest and a Dynamic Message Board Contest. Visit DOTD’s Facebook page or navigate to the following links for details on how to participate – Vested Photo Contest: https://www.facebook.com/LADOTD/posts/10158420698922701 and Dynamic Message Board Contest: https://www.facebook.com/LADOTD/posts/10158420687437701
Work Zones are an important step to improving Acadiana’s driving conditions. Let’s protect our neighbors, family, and friends and encourage more roadway investment by driving safely and attentively through these visible signs of progress in our community!
