This Week is Work Zone Safety Awareness Week

Tuesday, April 27th, 2021 -- 9:00 AM

Gov. Tony Evers proclaimed April 26-30 as Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation will be taking part in a nationwide campaign to spread awareness about safe driving as construction and maintenance activity increases for the spring and summer months.

Last year, despite traffic reductions related to the pandemic, there was still a work zone crash every 3.5 hours in Wisconsin. Over the past five years, Wisconsin work zones have seen more than 13,000 crashes causing 59 deaths and more than 5,000 injuries.

The vast majority of crash victims are drivers and passengers with speed, tailgating and distracted driving all common factors.  Even at a reduced speed of 55 mph, a vehicle covers 80 feet per second, or the length of a football field in under four seconds.

In Wisconsin, work zones include major highway construction and rolling maintenance operations as well as emergency response, municipal projects and utility work along local roads. Wisconsin’s efforts are in coordination with National Work Zone Awareness Week.

There are several things people can do to help.  Drive safely, avoid distractions and obey posted speed limits. Be courteous and patient. Set a good example for others on the road.  Leave the phone alone.

Texting and driving is illegal statewide and talking on a hand-held mobile device is illegal in work zones.  Slow down when you see workers and, if it’s possible, provide additional space by moving over.

Wisconsin’s Move Over Law applies to maintenance operations as well as emergency response units.  Visit wisconsindot.gov and search “work zone” for more tips and information.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.