What is National Work Zone Awareness Week?
The National Work Zone Awareness Week began in 1999 when the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) signed a Memorandum of Agreement pledging to increase public awareness of work zone safety issues through a national media campaign.
Why is Work Zone Safety Important?
Work zones can present an unfamiliar situation to drivers. Changes in traffic patterns closed or narrowed lanes, and the presence of construction equipment and personnel can cause challenges for motorists as they travel through work zones. Careful attention should be paid to actions that have the potential to impact the safety of everyone involved, including drivers and their passengers, workers, and pedestrians. While safe and efficient work zones begin with proper planning, design, and implementation, drivers must be attentive to changing conditions and exercise caution when they approach and travel through a work zone.
Work zone statistics:
| The above is an adaption from the article, “Annual National Work Zone Awareness Week.” For more information, please visit www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov. |
