The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is observing National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) from April 21st to 25th. In 1999, federal, state, and local transportation departments nationwide began to raise public consciousness about the need for safe driving in work zones with the annual spring campaign. Georgia DOT refers to its campaign as Work Zone Safety Awareness Week – highlighting safety in all that the department does to keep motorists and workers safe on the roadways. 

This year's national campaign’s theme is “Respect The Zone So We All Get Home,” to remind motorists to exercise caution in work zones by moving over, slowing down, and paying attention for the safety of construction and maintenance workers, first responders, Highway Emergency Response Operators (HERO), Coordinated Highway Assistance & Maintenance Program (CHAMP) operators and tow truck drivers. The theme conveys the message that work zone safety is a shared responsibility.  

"Far too many families have experienced the heartbreak of loved ones never returning home due to work zone related crashes,” said Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry, P.E. “What you do behind the wheel has lasting consequences. Please drive responsibly in and around work zones to keep everyone safe."

 In 2024, there were:

• 12,345 work-zone related crashes in Georgia resulting in 4,685 injuries

• 53 percent of those work zone crashes were roadway departure and rear-end crashes

• 11 fatalities involved commercial motor vehicles

• 7 were pedestrian fatalities

Georgia DOT offers these TIPS FOR APPROACHING AND DRIVING IN WORK ZONES:

• Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives. Obey the rules of work zones and be aware of construction vehicles entering or exiting the roadway.

  • Pay attention

  • Slow down (even in lighter than normal traffic.) 

  • Watch for workers and when possible, move over to provide a buffer lane between the work zone and your vehicle.  

• Expect the Unexpected. Things may change quickly. Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be closed, narrowed, or shifted, and people may work on or near the road. 

• Slow Down. Don’t Tailgate. Speed is a factor in many accidents. Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you, and the construction workers and their equipment. 

• Obey Road Crew Signage and pay attention to signs. Failure to obey speed limit signs or a flagger’s traffic control directions can result in hefty fines and/or imprisonment.

• Stay Alert and Minimize Distractions. Pay full attention to the roadway and avoid changing radio stations or using cell phones and other electronic devices.

• Keep Up with Traffic Flow. Do not slow down to gawk at road work.

• Know Before You Go. Expect delays, leave early and schedule enough time to drive safely. For 24/7 real-time traffic information, call 511 or visit www.511ga.org before you get into the car. And follow Georgia DOT on Twitter for additional updates.

• Be Patient, Stay Calm. Crews are working to improve the road and to make your future drive better.

• Wear Your Seatbelt. It is your best defense in a crash. And make sure your passengers are buckled up.

• Watch Your Speed. Never drive too fast for conditions or impaired by drugs, alcohol or sleeplessness, whether in a work zone or anywhere else. 

To learn more about National Work Zone Awareness Week and Georgia DOT’s efforts, please visit the resources below:

• Georgia Department of Transportation – Work Zone Safety Program

• American Traffic Safety Services Association - ATSSA

• NATIONAL WORK ZONE AWARENESS WEEK APRIL 21-25, 2024 - Home (nwzaw.org)

• This year’s host state – North Carolina DOT - Work Zone Awareness | North Carolina Department of Transportation (https://www.ncdot.gov)

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - NHTSA | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Click here for additional resources focused on work zone safety including images, FAQs, and a fact sheet.