NATIONAL WORK ZONE AWARENESS WEEK
National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is an annual spring campaign held at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. The key message is for drivers to use extra caution in work zones.
Summer and fall are the peak seasons for road construction. Road work is an extremely dangerous occupation. Motorists often speak through work zones in excess of posted speed limits; they are distracted and don’t focus on the road around them. Though these habits create dangerous situations when conditions are ideal, the risks increase when entering work zones.
The awareness campaign aims to alert drivers and better protect drivers and workers.
HOW TO OBSERVE #WorkZoneAwarenessWeek
- When driving, be alert to signs that a construction zone is ahead.
- Follow the directions on any signs to stop, merge or slow down.
- Watch for flag persons who will direct you through work zones.
- Follow on social media #NWZAW or #WorkZoneAwarenessWeek.
- Visit www.nwzaw.org to learn more.
NATIONAL WORK ZONE AWARENESS WEEK HISTORY
In 1997, Virginia DOT initiated a week of promoting awareness of work zone safety before highway road construction season began. Then in 1999, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) began its statewide public awareness campaign, “Slow for the Cone Zone.”
Also in 1999, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) launched the first official National Work Zone Awareness Week.