As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), it’s crucial to reflect on the origins and impact of this important safety campaign. Initiated by a group of dedicated Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) staff members in 1997, NWZAW aimed to raise awareness about the critical importance of safety in work zones for all district employees ahead of the construction season.
The inaugural NWZAW was a resounding success within VDOT, leading the organization to share this valuable safety initiative with other agencies and organizations. In 1999, VDOT collaborated with the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) to launch the first official national campaign for work zone safety.
The first NWZAW kickoff event took place in 2000 in Springfield, Virginia, marking the beginning of an annual tradition alternating between the Washington, DC area and various locations across the United States. State Departments of Transportation can nominate host sites for this safety campaign every other year, further emphasizing the nationwide collaboration and commitment to work zone safety.
This year’s theme, “Work Zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever,” is a powerful reminder of the ongoing risks faced by both drivers and workers in our state work zones. These areas are inherently hazardous due to high speeds, temporary conditions, limited distance, and the presence of heavy machinery.
For four years, I had the privilege of teaching Temporary Traffic Control throughout the state of Alabama. In doing so, I had the pleasure of getting to know many of the workers and roadway construction crews that help maintain and build our state roadways every day. This firsthand experience reinforced the importance of work zone safety and the need for continuous education and awareness among all stakeholders.
State DOTs, contractors, and workers continuously implement innovative strategies and technologies to enhance work zone safety. From advanced warning systems and traffic control measures to enhanced training and public awareness campaigns, efforts are underway to reduce fatalities and injuries associated with work zone crashes.
NWZAW not only raises awareness among drivers about the need for caution and adherence to traffic laws in work zones but also fosters a culture of safety within the construction and transportation industries. It serves as a reminder that every action behind the wheel can have a lasting impact, emphasizing the importance of vigilance, patience, and respect for work zone personnel.
In 2022, from the crashes involving work zones, there were 511 injuries and 18 fatalities in Alabama. As we commemorate 25 years of NWZAW, let us renew our commitment to work zone safety and continue working together to ensure everyone returns home safely at the end of the day.
