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This week, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will be joining local and national transportation partners, law enforcement agencies, construction crews, and communities in recognizing National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 15-19.) This national awareness campaign provides an opportunity to highlight the serious risks faced by crews as they serve our communities, as well as the important role motorists play in keeping these crews safe while traveling through work zones.
Life-altering crashes in work zones across Florida’s roadways involve workers, motorists, and passengers alike. From 2020 to 2023, more than half of these crashes were due to front-to-rear impact collisions, further demonstrating the need for attentiveness behind the wheel while traveling through a work zone, especially when these areas necessitate frequent stops and slowed traffic to keep crews and motorists safe.
This year’s Work Zone Awareness Week will be felt differently by FDOT, as a member of the team recently lost their life after being struck by a motorist while setting up a work zone in January. This devastating loss to the FDOT team serves as a stark reminder of the dangers crews encounter as they selflessly put their lives on the line to carry out the important mission of the Department even amidst the risks involved, and that safety on our roadways is everyone’s responsibility.
“As our crews risk their lives to build and maintain the infrastructure we need to get home safely at the end of the day, remember that these individuals have something to get home to as well,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “Hearing that a member of our team lost their life while performing their duties was heartbreaking, and somberly shows the sheer dedication they had to our communities. Drive safely through construction zones like lives depend on it because, for them, it does.”
“During Work Zone Awareness Week and throughout the year, drive with great care and caution in work zones, and help keep our crews and work family safe just as you would for your own family,” said FDOT Assistant Secretary for Engineering and Operations, and the Florida Governor’s Representative for Highway Safety Will N. Watts, Jr., P.E. “Seeing your friend and colleague leave to do their job one day but never come back is an inconceivable thought for many, but this year, this thought became a tragic reality for our team.”
In an effort to reduce the likelihood of work zone crashes, FDOT works closely with Law Enforcement partners to help motorists identify work zones as well as monitor and deter unsafe driving behaviors in these areas. FDOT is grateful for the continued efforts of these officers as they help protect the safety of construction crews while simultaneously facing dangerous conditions themselves.
“Our partners at the Florida Department of Transportation are constantly improving roadways across Florida so that motorists can travel safely,” said FHP Colonel Gary Howze II. “This week and every week, your Florida Highway Patrol reminds motorists of the important role they play in following the rules of the road and moving over when workers are present. Everyone behind the wheel is personally responsible for their driving and paying attention to their surroundings, especially when entering a work zone, slowing down, and if possible, moving over to help keep others safe.”
The nature of road construction work can be dangerous and motorists can help make it safer for everyone: drive alert, adhere to the posted work zone speed limit, avoid all distractions, be cautious of shifts in traffic patterns, and give yourself distance from the driver ahead of you. By following these responsible driver behaviors, we can help get everyone home safely. Remember, “Work zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.”
For more Work Zone Awareness Week information, safety tips, and resources, please visit FDOT.gov/WorkZone.
