National Work Zone Awareness Week to promote safety, recognize workers lost in work zones

RICHMOND — National Work Zone Awareness Week runs from April 15-19, 2024. This annual event is used to spread important safety information about the potential dangers of work zones, both for the workers operating in them and the motorists passing through.

In 2023, work zones crashes claimed 13 lives in Virginia, which is down from 22 fatalities in 2022. There were also over 4,100 crashes and nearly 1,700 injuries last year in work zones.

The 2024 theme is “Work Zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.”

Work Zone Awareness Week started in VDOT’s Bristol District in 1997. The following year, VDOT extended the observation statewide. By 2000, the annual event was being recognized nationwide. This year’s national ceremony is being held in Maryland. Last year, six highway workers were killed in a terrible crash on the Baltimore Beltway in one tragic crash. And six more workers lost their lives on the Francis Scott Key Bridge last month.

Among the week’s highlights, Monday, April 15, is designated as Safety Stand Up day. As construction season begins, VDOT encourages all who work in Virginia’s highway construction and maintenance industries to make time for project-wide safety training meetings and safety focused discussions.

On Wednesday, April 17, at 4 p.m., VDOT will host its annual ceremony at the VDOT Workers Memorial off I-64 on Afton Mountain. Wednesday is also Go Orange Day, where all are encouraged to wear orange to promote work zone safety and share their support by posting pictures on social media with the hashtag #GoOrangeDayVA.

On Friday, April 19, at 10 a.m., VDOT will hold a moment of silence for those killed while working in work zones.

This dedicated week is a reminder, when driving through work zones, always go the speed limit, avoid distractions, and stay focused on the road ahead. There are often many moving parts in work zones, including workers and heavy equipment. Stay focused. Stay safe.