The 2022 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.
Now in its 23rd 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 Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will be hosting the event on Tuesday, April 12th.
The theme of this year’s event is “Work Zones are a Sign to Slow Down”. According to workzonesafety.org, there were 857 fatalities in work zones throughout 2020. This was up from 845 the previous year. Most of the people killed are drivers and their passengers. ‘At work’ pedestrian fatalities in work zones also increased to 51 in 2020, up from 37 in 2019. This year’s theme implores motorists to slow down and stay alert as they approach and pass by a work zone.
Working safely resonates strongly with us here at Invarion, as using technology to plan and execute safe work zones is a key focus of what we do. We believe work zone safety begins with workers who are dedicated to safety – but achieving zero deaths on our roads and in our work zones is the responsibility of both motorists and road workers alike.
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 13th), 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 the Virginia Department of Transportation, as well as other DOT’s and industry stakeholders across the United States to make work zones safer throughout the country.