The 2021 National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) kicks off across the United States next week. NWZAW is an annual event aimed at raising awareness of work zone safety amongst motorists and workers.
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), 842 people were killed in work zones in 2019. This was up from 757 the previous year. Worker fatalities in construction zones also increased to 135 in 2019, up from 124 in 2018.
Now in it’s 22nd year, the event is a result of ongoing partnerships between state departments of transportation (DOTs), national road safety organizations, government agencies and private companies.
Each year, the kick-off event is held at a different location across the United States. This year, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be hosting the event on Tuesday, April 27th.
The theme of this year’s event is “Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives.” According to the NWZAC website, the theme holds the following meaning:
- Drive Safe. A reminder that work zones need everyone’s undivided attention. When approaching a work zone, motorists should always slow down, follow all posted signs, be alert, and remain calm. Risky driving behavior affects more than just the driver – everyone’s lives and families are at stake.
- Work Safe. Technology is helping to make work zones safer by collecting data and automating processes, which can remove workers from dangerous situations and provide motorists with important information. It is also a reminder that work zone safety begins with workers who are dedicated to safety.
- Save Lives. If we ALL work together, we can achieve zero deaths on our roads and in our work zones!
Working safe resonates strongly with us, as using technology to plan and execute safe work zones is a key focus of Invarion. We couldn’t agree more that work zone safety certainly begins with workers who are dedicated to safety.
Following the kick-off event, a number of activities continue throughout the week. One highlight of the annual fixture is Go Orange Day (Wednesday, April 28th), when all roadway safety professionals across the country are encouraged to wear orange to show their support for work zone safety. Participants are also encouraged to take part in NWZAW through social media using hashtags #NWZAW and #WorkZoneSafety to remind the public to drive safely in and around work zones.
For more information on National Work Zone Awareness Week, visit ATSSA’s page on the event here (https://www.nwzaw.org).
Invarion is proud to be working with DOT’s and industry stakeholders across the United States to make work zones safer throughout the country.
